Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is reportedly considering a voluntary waiver of his salary and allowances as a potential resolution to an ethics complaint filed against him.
The complaint centers on his prolonged absence from legislative proceedings, which has now exceeded five months.
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, who chairs the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, confirmed the development following the panel’s initial meeting to establish procedural rules.
Ejercito indicated that the move could effectively nullify the basis of the grievance, which focuses on the compensation received by the senator during his period of inactivity.
“I think they’re just waiting for the final decision,” Ejercito remarked during an ambush interview, adding that “That’s the basis of the complaint. If he truly decides not to accept his salary and allowances, then there’s no more ground for the complaint.”
The veteran lawmaker’s absence has been linked to reports from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding a possible arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). However, it remains noted that no official Interpol red notice or formal warrant has been confirmed against dela Rosa at this time.
The financial package in question includes a monthly salary and various allowances totaling at least ₱293,191.
Ejercito, who previously suggested the waiver as a corrective measure, expressed optimism that the committee could finalize its decision as early as next week. He characterized the senator’s openness to the proposal as a “positive step” toward resolving the controversy.