Sotto to Bato: Explain side over ethics complaint

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (Ronald Bato Dela Rosa/facebook)

MANILA – Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday said he would recommend asking Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to explain his side on a complaint filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

Sotto said he would suggest to the panel, chaired by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, that dela Rosa be required to respond to the allegations.

“Isa-suggest ko na hingan si Senator Bato ng eksplanasyon. Kumbaga sa ano (I will suggest that Senator Bato be asked for an explanation. In effect), show cause why we should not follow or give in to the complaint,” Sotto said in a chance interview after leading the flag raising ceremony as the Senate resumes its regular session.

He clarified that the move is only a recommendation, noting that he is not the committee chair but serves as an ex officio member.

Sotto likened the proposed action to the issuance of show-cause orders to individuals who fail to attend Senate hearings, stressing the need for due process.

He said there is still no decision on the request to suspend dela Rosa’s salary and allowances, adding that the senator has yet to communicate and reach out to him.

The complaint, described as a first-of-its-kind case focusing on the legislative impact of a senator’s prolonged absence, was filed on Feb. 25 this year by the anti-corruption group Wag Kang KuCorrupt, led by former Finance undersecretary Cielo Magno.

The group argued that dela Rosa’s failure to report for work since Nov. 11, 2025 constitutes a dereliction of duty and grave abuse of public trust, citing continued receipt of salary and allowances despite months of absence.