After his sudden reappearance at the Senate on May 11, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa claimed he did not receive his salary during his six-month absence from the upper chamber.
This clarification comes after Sen. JV Ejercito’s appeal in April for Dela Rosa to “voluntarily decline” receiving his salary, as no policies for “no work, no pay” are currently in place.
"The past six months, hindi ko natanggap 'yong sweldo ko. 'Yong aking secretary, kinukuha 'yong sweldo [ko]... Eh paano ko makuha eh wala ako dito sa [Senado]?" he noted.
(I have not received my salary in the past six months. My secretary takes it, but how would I get it if I am not present in the Senate?)
He added that his secretary had stopped receiving his salary in the latter months of his absence, noting that they were “embarrassed” to continue accepting the money.
Dela Rosa further claimed that part of his salary was used for “relief operations,” and he would return the funds he did not spend.
The solon started skipping Senate sessions on Nov. 11, 2025, shortly after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an alleged arrest warrant against him.
During his absence, public outcry grew over his continued pay despite his absence from work.
On May 11, the ICC confirmed and made public the arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, which had been kept secret since its issuance on Nov. 6, 2025.
Written by Khrystien Angel Lacandula, Insight PH
Khrystien Angel Lacandula, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
