SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said there is a proposal to suspend the salary of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa due to his prolonged absence.
Lacson issued the comment following a visit Tuesday by former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who signaled plans to file an ethics complaint against dela Rosa.
“One of the suggestions is to stop his salary,” Lacson said, adding that the move may not be legally feasible without a clear and sufficient basis. “If there is no basis, it may not work.” According to Lacson, any disciplinary action against dela Rosa would have to be anchored on a formal complaint filed before the Senate Ethics Committee, which has jurisdiction over the conduct of senators.
Dela Rosa has been absent from the Senate since Nov. 11, 2025, following reports that the International Criminal Court issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with the drug war killings during the Duterte administration. While his office continues to function, the former police chief has missed critical legislative duties, including the sponsorship of the 2026 national budget for security agencies and various bicameral conference committee meetings.
Trillanes said dela Rosa’s prolonged absence without adequate explanation undermines the Senate’s work and erodes public trust. He added that filing a complaint after six months would strengthen the legal and procedural basis against dela Rosa.
Lacson said he will not take part in any recommendation to sanction dela Rosa.
“I do not have the moral authority to do that,” Lacson said, recalling that he himself had previously faced a similar situation as a senator.
