Bato’s paid Senate absence an injustice to workers – ACT

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January 10, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers yesterday criticized Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for his prolonged absence from the Senate, calling it a brazen dereliction of duty, an abuse of privilege and betrayal of public trust.

ACT chairperson Ruby Bernardo urged Senate leaders to stop coddling the absentee lawmaker and immediately impose sanctions, including disciplinary action tantamount to dismissal.

Bernardo cited reports that Dela Rosa has not reported for Senate work since Nov. 11, 2025, yet continues to receive his full salary, benefits and perks – an arrangement she described as an obscene display of entitlement funded by the taxes of struggling Filipino workers and teachers.

She challenged Dela Rosa to stop hiding and face the consequences of his actions, daring him to “reunite with his former commander-in-chief, Rodrigo Duterte, who is now detained by the ICC to stand trial for crimes against humanity.”

The continued Senate inaction would only fuel public outrage and further erode trust in government, she added.