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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bato still a no-show as Senate resumes session

Bato still a no-show as Senate resumes session

Published Jan 26, 2026 03:30 pm
Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa is still absent as the plenary session of the Senate resumed on Monday, January 26.
Senator Ronald
Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa (Senate PRIB photo)
Dela Rosa has been absent from the Senate since November 2025, when Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed that a warrant of arrest had already been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a chance interview, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said that he has not yet heard from the senator.
"Wala akong, I have not heard any information from Senator Bato. I was wondering paano siya nakapirma doon sa minority opinion (“I have not received any information from Senator Bato. I was wondering how he was able to sign the minority opinion)," he said.
Sotto was referring to the so-called "minority report" crafted by the minority bloc. A day after the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumed its hearing on the anomalous flood control projects, Senator Rodante Marcoleta disclosed in a press conference that they came up with a minority report on the first three hearings of the panel under him.
Dela Rosa was among those who signed the report.
He recently broke his silence as he marked his 64th birthday with a social media statement emphasizing his commitment to justice, national sovereignty, and patriotism amid ongoing controversy surrounding alleged international charges against him.
In his post, Dela Rosa assured the public that he is alive, in good health, and patiently awaiting the proper course of justice. He said he will face any legal cases against him in the Philippines, by Filipinos, and before Filipino courts, and rejected the idea of surrendering to foreign jurisdictions, calling it a disregard for the sacrifices of the country’s heroes and soldiers.
Asked if dela Rosa reached out to him after his birthday post, Sotto said that he did not.

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Bato Dela Rosa Senate of the Philippines Senate President Vicente \"Tito\" Sotto III
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