Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has recorded the highest number of absences among members of the Senate during the first regular session of the 20th Congress, based on official records.

In a data presented by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri to the media on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, he showed that Dela Rosa was absent for 31 out of 58 session days held from July 28, 2025 to March 18, 2026. He attended only 27 sessions during the period.

Dela Rosa’s prolonged absence began in November 2025, when Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla disclosed that the the International Criminal Court (ICC) had allegedly issued an arrest order against him in connection with his role in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

The ICC Office of the Prosecutor has also identified him as one of the alleged co-perpetrators of former President Rodrigo Duterte in a case involving crimes against humanity.

Dela Rosa's continued absent prompted calls from various groups to suspend his salary and file an ethics complaint against him.

Following Dela Rosa on the absentee list is Senator Camille Villar, who logged 16 absences after filing for maternity leave. Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano ranked next with 14 absences and was also recorded to have been late 24 times. During the 19th Congress, Cayetano also topped the absentee list with 36 absences out of 54 session days.

Senators Raffy Tulfo and JV Ejercito each had six absences, while Senator Mark Villar missed five session days. Senator Pia Cayetano recorded three absences.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, and Senator Loren Legarda were each absent for two days.

Several senators maintained perfect attendance during the period, including Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Robin Padilla, Vicente Sotto III, and Joel Villanueva.