MANILA — Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he would recommend requiring Senator Ronald dela Rosa to explain his side regarding a complaint filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges.

Sotto said he would propose to the panel, chaired by Joseph Victor Ejercito, that dela Rosa be asked to respond to the allegations.

“Isa-suggest ko na hingan si Senator Bato ng eksplanasyon. Kumbaga sa ano (I will suggest that Senator Bato be asked for an explanation. In effect), show cause why we should not follow or give in to the complaint,” Sotto said in a chance interview after leading the flag raising ceremony as the Senate resumed its regular session.

He clarified that his position is only a recommendation, noting that he is not the committee chair but sits as an ex officio member.

Sotto compared the move to issuing show-cause orders to individuals who fail to attend Senate hearings, underscoring the importance of due process.

He added that there is no decision yet on the request to suspend dela Rosa’s salary and allowances, and noted that the senator has not communicated with him.

The complaint, filed on Feb. 25 by the anti-corruption group Wag Kang KuCorrupt led by former Finance undersecretary Cielo Magno, focuses on the legislative implications of a senator’s prolonged absence.

The group alleged that dela Rosa’s failure to report for work since Nov. 11, 2025 constitutes dereliction of duty and grave abuse of public trust, citing his continued receipt of salary and allowances despite months of absence.