Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri nominated Senators Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta to replace Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Joel Villanueva in the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, citing potential conflicts of interest, a move approved by Senate President Vicente Sotto III.
The change follows cases involving Dela Rosa and Villanueva that could affect their participation in the committee’s work.
Dela Rosa has been absent from the Senate since Nov. 11, 2025, amid reports of an ICC arrest warrant linked to the Duterte administration’s drug war, raising concerns, including possible suspension of his salary. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said stopping Dela Rosa’s pay would require careful legal review, as civil service rules apply to senators.
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Dela Rosa’s prolonged absence undermines the Senate’s work and announced plans to file an ethics complaint to strengthen accountability.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 29, 2026
