The Senate is considering recommending a show-cause order against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, asking him to explain his continued absence and why the Senate should not proceed with an ethics investigation filed against him.
It was suggested that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges formally require dela Rosa to respond to the complaint, similar to a show-cause directive, to determine whether there is sufficient basis to move forward with the case, according to Senate President Vicente Sotto III
The ethics complaint was filed by civil society group Wag kang KoCrrupt, citing the senator’s prolonged absence since November last year.
Dela Rosa has reportedly gone into hiding following statements from then-Secretary of Justice and now Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla that the International Criminal Court had issued a warrant of arrest against him in connection with crimes against humanity cases linked to former president Rodrigo Duterte.
However, no official copy of the alleged arrest warrant has been publicly released.
Sotto, along with Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, earlier urged dela Rosa to voluntarily forgo his salaries and allowances while he remains absent from Senate sessions. Ejercito said the senator’s camp is considering the proposal, but no formal communication has been made to the Senate.
As of Monday morning, Sotto said dela Rosa has yet to reach out to the chamber regarding his status.
The proposed show-cause order is expected to be the committee’s next step in addressing the complaint and determining whether formal proceedings should continue.