Senator Robin Padilla has come to the defense of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, responding to criticism over the lawmaker’s alleged absenteeism in Senate sessions.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Padilla described dela Rosa not as a “reckless cop,” but as a seasoned war veteran.
“Bakit po ba mainit kayo kay Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa? Pagiging palaban pa lang po na pulis ang taong ito ay nagpakita na ng pagiging propesyonal sa trabaho niya maging saan mang lupalop ng Pilipinas. Hindi po ’yan pulis patola! War veteran po ’yan,” Padilla wrote.
“Malinaw naman po na hindi nagbabakasyon si Senator dela Rosa kundi may pinagdadaanan po na paghigpit ng dayuhang kapangyarihan at kailangan niyang pangalagaan ang kanyang karapatan bilang Pilipino na nandito sa sarili niyang bansa,” he added.
Padilla further explained that dela Rosa’s absences should not be mistaken for leisure.
The senator emphasized that serving in the Senate is not simply about being present in the office, exchanging gossip with the media, or delivering eloquent speeches in plenary.
“Kasaysayan po ang magpapatunay na hindi patulog-tulog sa pansitan si Senator Bato! Worker po ’yan!” Padilla said.
According to Padilla, even when dela Rosa is absent, his highly capable staff continue to carry out legislative drafting and other office responsibilities efficiently.
Padilla underscored that dela Rosa’s absences are necessary for self-preservation. He noted that dela Rosa knows intimately the struggles of the 80 percent of Filipinos living in extreme poverty. He understands the "defense and offense" challenges facing the nation, whether from police, military, or external threats.
He described dela Rosa as “a man of action, not of words.”
Dela Rosa's office, Padilla explained, remains fully operational, with skilled staff leveraging technology to maintain communication and advance the senator’s legislative agenda.
"Umaandar po ang opisina niya. Ano po kaya ang ipinuputok ng inggit at kailangan pag-interesan ang pagpataw sa kanya ng mga parusa sa hindi pag-attend sa session?" he said.
“He is a Senator of the Filipino people not a Senator of the Senate building,” Padilla emphasized.
Padilla concluded that supporters are committed to advancing dela Rosa’s proposals and defending his initiatives.
Dela Rosa has not attended Senate sessions since November 11, 2025, following reports of a warrant of arrest issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with Extrajudicial killings (EJK) in Duterte administration.
Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified on Tuesday that reports claiming an arrest warrant has been issued by the ICC against Dela Rosa remain an “allegation.”
