MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa returned to the Senate on Monday afternoon to attend the plenary session, marking his first appearance in the chamber since November 11, 2025.

In a report, it said that during his appearance on the Senate floor, Dela Rosa became emotional and claimed that personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation attempted to block his entry into the Senate premises.

Based on Senate attendance records, the senator had missed 31 plenary sessions prior to his return.

His reappearance came on the same day the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) served a subpoena in connection with the revived investigation into alleged human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, linked to the drug war during his time as Davao City police chief.

CIDG chief investigator Police Captain Larry Ray said personnel from Dela Rosa’s office received the subpoena but refused to sign the document.

“Tinanggap nila, pero di sila nag-sign kasi yun ang instruction sa kanila,” Ray told reporters after serving the subpoena.

Dela Rosa’s office, however, said they did not formally accept the document, saying no authorized personnel were present and there were no instructions from the senator. Despite this, the CIDG left a copy of the subpoena and considered it officially served.

“Nasa kanila na ‘yon kung makakarating kay Senator Bato o sa lawyer. It’s up to them,” Ray said.

Authorities also confirmed that a copy of the subpoena was served at the senator’s residence in Davao.

The document, signed by CIDG chief Police Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander A. Morico II, orders Dela Rosa to appear before the CIDG Major Crimes Investigation Unit at Camp Crame on Thursday, May 14.

Ray said failure to appear before investigators could expose the senator to a charge of indirect contempt.

The CIDG did not disclose further details on the subpoena but said it is linked to ongoing inquiries into alleged abuses committed during the implementation of the drug war.