Manila: Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday stated that he would recommend asking Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa to explain his side on a complaint filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges. Sotto mentioned that he would suggest to the panel, led by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, that dela Rosa be required to respond to the allegations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sotto expressed in a chance interview after leading the flag raising ceremony, as the Senate resumes its regular session, that he will propose Senator Bato be asked for an explanation. He emphasized that the action is a recommendation and clarified that as an ex officio member, he does not chair the committee.

Sotto compared the proposed action to the issuance of show-cause orders to individuals who fail to attend Senate hearings, highlighting the necessity for due process. He noted that there is still no decision regarding the request to suspend dela Rosa's salary and allowances, and that the senator has not yet communicated or reached out to him.

The complaint, filed on February 25 by the anti-corruption group Wag Kang KuCorrupt, led by former Finance undersecretary Cielo Magno, is described as a first-of-its-kind case focusing on the legislative impact of a senator's prolonged absence. The group argued that dela Rosa's failure to report for work since November 11, 2025, constitutes a dereliction of duty and grave abuse of public trust, citing continued receipt of salary and allowances despite months of absence.