Bato dela Rosa Senate office remains operational despite his prolonged absence, according to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, as public attention grows over reports linking the senator to a possible arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s Senate office remains operational despite his prolonged absence, according to Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, as public attention grows over reports linking the senator to a possible arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Sotto said the continued functioning of dela Rosa’s office ensures that Senate operations and constituent services are not disrupted.

In a statement on Friday, Sotto clarified that while dela Rosa has not been physically present at the Senate for an extended period, his staff continues to carry out official duties. These include responding to communications, processing documents, coordinating legislative matters, and attending to public concerns. He emphasized that the absence of a senator does not automatically halt the operations of a Senate office.

Sotto explained that Senate offices are supported by permanent staff members who are tasked with maintaining continuity of service regardless of a lawmaker’s availability. Administrative work, legislative research, and coordination with committees continue unless there is a formal directive to suspend operations. According to Sotto, there has been no such order affecting dela Rosa’s office.

He also noted that the Senate has not received any official notice from authorities requiring administrative action against the senator. As far as Senate leadership is concerned, there is no directive that affects the operations of dela Rosa’s office, Sotto said, adding that institutional processes remain unchanged.

Dela Rosa’s absence has drawn renewed attention following reports that the ICC may have issued an arrest warrant related to its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity connected to the Philippine government’s anti-drug campaign during the previous administration. Dela Rosa served as the first chief of the Philippine National Police during that period and has consistently denied allegations of wrongdoing.

The Philippine government has repeatedly maintained that it no longer recognizes the jurisdiction of the ICC after withdrawing from the Rome Statute in 2019. However, the ICC has asserted that it retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member of the court.

Sotto stressed that the Senate as an institution continues to function normally despite individual lawmakers’ absences. He explained that attendance matters are governed by Senate rules and that prolonged absence does not automatically result in sanctions unless it violates internal regulations or affects quorum during plenary sessions.

Political analysts have pointed out that while public scrutiny surrounding the issue is intense, the legal and administrative implications remain limited unless formal action is taken by Philippine courts or Senate leadership. Some groups have called for greater transparency regarding the senator’s status, while others emphasize the importance of due process and caution against drawing conclusions based solely on international proceedings.

For now, Senate officials maintain that legislative work continues as scheduled, and that institutional stability remains intact. Sotto said the Senate will rely on official communications and established legal processes should developments arise that require further action.