Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Tuesday urged critics questioning Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s two to three-week absence to file an ethics complaint.

“Siguro kung mayroong mga kababayan tayo na gustong tanungin itong mga ganyan at tsaka let’s say gustong panagutin ang isang legislator: mag-file sila ng ethics complaint. ‘Yun ang pinakamagandang remedyo, para matalakay natin ‘yun,” Sotto told reporters.

He explained that this would allow the Senate to formally discuss and act on the matter, noting that it is unlikely for either the Senate or the House of Representatives to pass a rule barring extended absences, as Congress has never operated that way.

In response to whether dela Rosa was still being paid despite his long absence, the Senate President pointed out that the lower chamber had an official who failed to show up for an entire year.

“Sa Congress nga mayroon isang buong taon hindi pumapasok, e. Wala naman silang ginagawa, wala ring umaangal. E ito, two to three weeks pa lang,” he said.

Sotto made it clear that, even when a senator is absent, their offices remain functional, with staff continually performing essential duties, including reviewing bills.

“Oo, napakaraming congressman ang ginagawa ‘yan dati, ba’t ‘di niyo kinukuwestyon? Bakit ngayon ay ‘yung Senate ang napapag-initan sa dalawa, tatlong linggo ‘di pumasok. Ganoon talaga, kahit ganoon si Senator de Lima tsaka si Senator Trillanes, nakakulong, talagang tuloy pa rin ‘yung function ng opisina nila,” said Sotto.

He said he did not have personal correspondence with Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa has been a no-show in Senate sessions since November 11, following reports that an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been obtained by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.