Senator JV Ejercito has publicly appealed to fellow lawmaker Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa to voluntarily refrain from accepting his salary and allowances amid concerns over attendance and accountability in the Senate.

In a social media post, Ejercito stressed that while the Senate has yet to finalize rules that would compel attendance, public officials should hold themselves to the same standards as ordinary workers.

“Umaapela tayo kay Sen. Bato Dela Rosa na kusang-loob na hindi muna tumanggap ng sweldo at allowances niya sa Senado… Gaya ng mga ordinaryong Pilipinong ‘no work, no pay,’ lalo’t higit ganoon din dapat ang mga lingkod-bayan,” Ejercito said.

He pointed out that even Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III had earlier acknowledged that the chamber still lacks enforceable rules to mandate attendance, noting that any formal policy would require amendments and deliberation before implementation.

Ejercito emphasized that the issue goes beyond legal technicalities and touches on public accountability, reiterating that government officials are entrusted with public service.

“Public service is a public trust. We are all accountable to the people we serve,” he added.

The appeal comes amid broader discussions within the Senate on discipline, attendance policies, and ethical standards for lawmakers, with some sectors calling for clearer rules to ensure responsibility and transparency among elected officials.