Senator Win Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, clarified that there is currently no “no work, no pay” policy for senators who miss sessions.
“Sa pagkaalam ko, walang ganyan na set-up sa mga senators,” Gatchalian told reporters.
The statement comes after Senator Bato dela Rosa reportedly skipped sessions since November 11, 2025, missing his duties as vice-chair of the Finance Committee and failing to defend the Department of National Defense (DND) budget.
Gatchalian said he had no personal communication with dela Rosa and was informed only by his staff, who requested that Gatchalian defend the budget in his place.
The rule, Gatchalian noted, applies only to Senate employees depending on their employment status.
Dela Rosa has been considered a “no-show” amid reports of an ICC arrest warrant for alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings during his tenure as PNP chief under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Senate President Tito Sotto called the absences “not okay” but acknowledged that Senate rules currently impose no sanctions for prolonged absences.
Sotto also inspected repairs in the fire-damaged Senate Session Hall, emphasizing that work must continue around the clock to ensure the hall is ready for the December 2 session, despite the holiday in Pasay City.
He noted the session cannot be postponed due to the tight schedule for completing 2026 budget deliberations.