Lacson: Senate may review rules over Bato’s absence

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said the Senate may revisit its rules to address the continued absence of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

Lacson noted that while there are rules stripping committee membership due to continuous absence, there are no similar provisions covering absences in plenary sessions. He said the matter could be tackled in Monday’s all-senators’ caucus.

Dela Rosa has not attended Senate sessions since late last year and has reportedly gone into hiding after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him over the previous administration’s war on drugs.

The ICC has also tagged dela Rosa and Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go as co-perpetrators in the anti-drug campaign.

Lacson said senators have discussed possible actions but have yet to reach a consensus, stressing the need to take the issue seriously.IMT