Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa remained absent as the Senate resumed plenary session on Monday, January 26, continuing his absence since November 2025 when Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla claimed that a warrant of arrest had been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a chance interview, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III admitted he has yet to hear from the senator.
“Wala akong, I have not heard any information from Senator Bato. I was wondering paano siya nakapirma doon sa minority opinion,” he said, referring to the minority bloc’s report on the flood control hearings.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Rodante Marcoleta earlier disclosed that the minority bloc crafted a report on the first three hearings of the Blue Ribbon Committee, with dela Rosa among those who signed it.
Dela Rosa recently broke his silence on social media as he marked his 64th birthday, stressing his commitment to justice, national sovereignty, and patriotism amid controversy over alleged international charges.
He assured the public that he is alive, in good health, and awaiting due process. He vowed to face any legal cases “in the Philippines, by Filipinos, and before Filipino courts,” rejecting surrender to foreign jurisdictions, which he described as disregarding the sacrifices of the country’s heroes and soldiers.
Asked if dela Rosa reached out after his birthday post, Sotto said he did not.