Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Wednesday, April 22 raised the possibility that the ethics complaint against Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa may be dismissed if he chooses to voluntarily waive his salary and allowances as senator. 

Ejercito, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, pointed this out in an interview with reporters.

“Because that is the basis of the complaint, it might be the basis for the dismissal,” Ejercito said.

“Precisely because if he will no longer receive his salary, allowances, so there is no longer any basis for the complaint,” he said.

However, Ejercito emphasized that the decision is still up to the members of the panel. He will only act as “facilitator” as chairman of the committee.

“Still, that would have to be discussed by the committee members,” he said.

Earlier, the civil society group, “Wag Kang KuCorrupt” filed an ethics complaint against Dela Rosa, who has not made any public appearance since November 2025.

The group called for a formal inquiry into Dela Rosa’s possible violation of Senate rules and ethical standards.

Dela Rosa has shunned public appearances and not attended any Senate session after reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against him surfaced. 

Ejercito said the Senate has yet to amend its existing rules and regulation, noting that it has no “no work, no pay” policy in place.

“My appeal is for him to do it voluntarily. If he waives his right to receive salary and allowances, that would address the issue somehow,” he said.