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? Senators have also revealed attempts to call Dela Rosa but received no response, including Senate President Tito Sotto. Sotto said he again tried to contact Dela Rosa before the bicameral deliberations. “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. He also acknowledged that Dela Rosa had legal issues he was dealing with.

Source: Philippine Star January 09, 2026 13:58 UTC