By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — Senator JV Ejercito has called for reflection, accountability, and institutional stability amid growing uncertainty surrounding Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s recent absence from the Senate.
Ejercito said Dela Rosa should pray for discernment and carefully consider his next steps as questions continue to circulate about his location following his departure from the Senate during a reported confrontation involving National Bureau of Investigation operatives and Senate security personnel.
“I am hoping he will make the right decision,” Ejercito said in an interview in Iloilo City.
The senator also renewed his position that lawmakers who fail to regularly attend sessions should not expect full pay and benefits.
“If you’re not reporting for work, it should be no work, no pay—just like in ordinary jobs,” he said.
Dela Rosa had briefly returned to the Senate on May 11 after an extended absence, shortly before a leadership transition installed Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate President following a shift in political alliances within the chamber.
Two days later, tensions escalated further when Dela Rosa left the Senate compound early on May 14 amid efforts by authorities linked to an ICC-related warrant.
Ejercito said the Senate leadership should look into all related incidents, including the reported standoff and the circumstances of Dela Rosa’s departure.
“There are many developments happening at once—leadership changes, internal disputes. This must be clarified through an investigation,” he said.
While acknowledging the turbulence, Ejercito urged the public not to lose confidence in the Senate as an institution.
“It remains the last bastion of democracy. We should not lose faith despite these events,” he added.
He also revealed he was offered the post of majority leader under the new Senate leadership but declined, saying it would be inappropriate given his earlier position.
“I abstained and chose to remain independent. It was tempting, but I preferred to act with delicadeza,” Ejercito said.ia/xf
