The missing Bato: How the Senate can force a lawmaker back

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January 9, 2026 | 2:28pm

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bato dela Rosa has not made a public appearance in almost two months, but can the Senate force him to show up to work?

After reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for former president Rodrigo Duterte’s police chief-turned-senator, Dela Rosa has not been to the Senate since sessions resumed in November 2025.

Dela Rosa, a member of the Senate bicameral committee, was also absent during the final stretch of congressional deliberations for the 2026 General Appropriations Act—the most important piece of legislation lawmakers debate each year.

Senators have also revealed attempts to call Dela Rosa but received no response, including Senate President Tito Sotto.

In a press conference on Friday, Sotto said that Dela Rosa’s last response to him was two months ago. Sotto said he again tried to contact Dela Rosa before the bicameral deliberations.

The Senate president said that a senator not physically showing up for work is nothing new, citing the cases of former senators Leila de Lima and Sonny Trillanes—both Duterte critics who were arrested during his term.

Sotto explained that Dela Rosa’s office was still functioning even if he was absent. He admitted that there was nothing they could do to compel him to show up at the Senate—save for one thing.

“The only time that you can force a senator to be present is if you need their vote,” Sotto said in a mix of English and Filipino.

For example, if a senator’s vote is needed to break a stalemate or if an important measure requires the vote of every senator, the Senate president can order the arrest and forced appearance of a senator if their vote is vital.

This has already happened in previous Congresses, Sotto explained.

Sotto recalled an instance during the Senate presidency of the late Juan Ponce Enrile when the chamber needed at least 13 votes for a measure and former senator Bong Revilla, along with another senator, was absent.

Sotto, who was then the majority leader, recalled telling the Senate sergeant-at-arms to get Revilla and the other senator, or else they would be arrested. Revilla and the unnamed senator were able to comply.

But if the senator is abroad, this action cannot be taken. Under present Senate rules, senators do not need to notify the leadership if they are out of the country unless it is for official business.

However, Sotto remained nonchalant about whether senators physically attend sessions and hearings, especially since every committee currently has a quorum. He also acknowledged that Dela Rosa had legal issues he was dealing with.

“Why would I force him when he is dodging his problem? It’s his own lookout. He would be accountable to the people that voted for him,” Sotto said.