Manila: Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday emphasized that filing an ethics complaint is the appropriate method for addressing the issue of lawmakers’ absences. Sotto clarified that there is no ‘no work, no pay’ rule under the Constitution or Senate regulations, suggesting that attendance concerns should be addressed through established accountability processes rather than changing long-standing legislative practices.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto explained that legislators’ salaries and office budgets are predefined and are not dependent on daily attendance. He pointed out that even in the House of Representatives, some members have had extended absences without facing pay cuts. He noted that senators’ offices remain funded and operational regardless of their physical presence.

The issue came to light following questions about whether Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa continues to receive full compensation despite his absence from Senate sessions since November 11, soon after reports emerged of an alleged International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant. Dela Rosa did not fulfill his duty to defend the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of National Defense, which he was assigned to sponsor as a vice chairperson of the finance committee.

Sotto assured that despite dela Rosa’s absence, his office continues to function. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian mentioned that he was informed of Dela Rosa’s absence through a message from the senator’s staff rather than an official excuse letter. Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, emphasized the expectation for vice chairs defending agency budgets to appear on the floor to present amendments and answer questions, a practice meant to ensure transparency.

Senators earn the equivalent of Salary Grade 31, or at least PHP293,191 per month, excluding committee allowances. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano stated in a separate interview that dela Rosa’s situation should be considered through the perspective of due process and personal security. Cayetano highlighted the importance of a justice system and the options available if one’s life and liberty are threatened.

While the ICC has not confirmed any warrant, dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, is associated with the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.