Filipinos called for reform after learning that there is no “no work, no pay” policy for senators amid Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s absence from sessions.
Dela Rosa, who has been absent from the upper chamber for about three weeks, or since November 10, drew significant attention, especially after rumors of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) surfaced.
Before becoming a lawmaker, Dela Rosa was known as the “architect” of the Duterte administration’s bloody “War on Drugs,” which is now the subject of an arrest warrant against former president Rodrigo Duterte by the ICC.
Dela Rosa was the chief of the Philippine National Police during the implementation of the anti-narcotics campaign that led to the deaths of an estimated 12,000 to 30,000 Filipinos between July 2016 and March 2019, according to the ICC.
The senator has stopped attending sessions in the upper chamber since Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla claimed that the ICC had already issued an arrest warrant for him.
Meanwhile, some of his colleagues, like Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian, have taken over his duties, particularly in the Senate plenary budget deliberations.
Dela Rosa’s absence has raised concerns among some Filipinos, who questioned whether the senator was still getting paid despite his non-appearance as the Senate continues to hold sessions.
When asked if there is a “no work, no pay” policy for senators, Gatchalian clarified that there is not.
“Sa alam ko, sa senators walang ganyan eh, na ‘no work, no pay.’ Sa pagkaalam ko ah, walang ganyan na application, kaya dapat nga magpadala ng excuse letter kung bakit ‘di ka makakapasok, kung ano ang nagiging problema ,para matignan kung ano ang estado mo,” he told DZMM Teleradyo.
Gatchalian, who heads the Senate finance committee, said that Dela Rosa did not submit any formal excuse letter for missing the 2026 budget defense for the Department of National Defense and its attached agencies.
Instead, Gatchalian received a text from Dela Rosa’s staff, requesting him to cover the agencies assigned to Dela Rosa.
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III also weighed in on the “no work, no pay” policy, confirming that Dela Rosa continues to receive a salary because it has already been allotted. He added that senators are not subjected to such a policy.
Sotto also said that Dela Rosa’s office continues to function despite his absence.
Meanwhile, Filipinos who learned about Dela Rosa’s continued salary raised concerns, calling for a change in the system, especially since their salaries are funded by the people.
“Now is the time we make these legislators (senators/congressman) more accountable in their job,” a Reddit user wrote.
“‘Pag weeks na silang absent at walang naipapasang panukalang batas for the whole year, pwede silang masuspinde at ‘di makatanggap ng sahod upang ‘di sila pamarisan ng iba nilang kapwa mambabatas,” the Reddit user added.
“This calls for a change then,” another Redditor said in response to Sotto’s comments that senators are not subject to a “no work, no pay” policy.
“‘There are no such rules for legislators and any of our rules or even in the constitution.’ Aba, aba. Then it’s ‘High time’ [or] already overdue and perfect moment to add it into legislation. All government officials dapat ‘yan! Ano ‘yan, may exception?? Kala ko ba pataas dapat ang batas?” a different Pinoy commented.
“Fix the system!” another online user said.
Senators earn a monthly salary equivalent to Salary Grade 31, totaling at least P293,191, according to the Department of Budget and Management.
This amounts to roughly P3.52 million annually, excluding other allowances, such as those for committee responsibilities.
Sotto added that Dela Rosa’s critics could file an ethics complaint to address the issue, as there are no rules prohibiting lawmakers from receiving their salaries despite absences.
“Maybe if some of our fellow citizens want to question something like this or want to hold a legislator accountable, they should file an ethics complaint — that’s the best remedy,” the Senate president said. — with reports from Philstar.com/Dominique Flores
