SENATOR Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is being urged to be consistent in attending hearings and invitations for whatever reasons.

Dela Rosa attended a recent hearing in the Senate after disappearing from the public eye for less than a month after former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest.

House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs chairman Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre said Dela Rosa’s presence in the Senate should be matched with the same level of visibility and responsiveness to other invitation.

“Sana ho maging consistent lang po tayo ‘pag hinanap na po siya sa ibang rason at ibang dahilan, sana madali lang ho din siya makita,” Acidre said.

The hearing marked the senator’s first appearance in weeks, stirring discussions about his selective visibility amid the growing public interest in his accountability as a key figure during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

Acidre clarified that Dela Rosa, like any other legislator, has both the right and responsibility to attend official Senate functions, even in the middle of a campaign season.

“Bilang isang senador, karapatan at tungkulin ni Senator Bato na dumulog sa mga gawain ng Senado,” he added.

He also pointed out that there is no legal barrier at present that would prevent the senator from fulfilling his legislative duties, and welcomed his return to Senate proceedings.

“Wala pa naman hong pinapalabas na kung ano man asunto o arrest warrant sa kanya kaya mas maganda ho na nakikita natin na nagtatrabaho ang ating mga senador kahit po panahon ng kampanya,” Acidre said.

Acidre further noted that while it is understandable for senators running in the upcoming elections to be busy on the campaign trail, public service should remain a top priority.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas