15/01/2026
SARAP NG BUHAY? BATO'S RELATIVES IN THE SENATE
Several relatives of Sen. Bato Dela Rosa currently hold positions in the Senate, based on his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) as of June 30, 2025, even as the senator has been absent from Senate sessions and public appearances for nearly two months.
Among those listed as working in the Senate are Dela Rosa's two daughters—Marianne Kristel Dela Rosa Estoesta, who serves as chief of staff with Salary Grade (SG) 30, and Mona Lisa C. Dela Rosa-Gino, a Director II with SG 26. His sister, Ruvy Ann D. Garcia, is a supervising political affairs officer (SG 22).
Also employed in the chamber are several nieces and nephews, including Jessica May P. Dela Rosa and Joanne Cedie P. Dela Rosa, both supervising legislative staff officer III (SG 25), and John Kerwin D. Garcia, a political assistant officer II (SG 13). Two brothers-in-law, Jose Erwin Garcia and Ronald Yambao, hold positions as supervising legislative staff officer (SG 23) and political affairs officer II (SG 13), respectively, while sisters-in-law Rebecca and Jennifer Commandante are both political affairs officer III (SG 15).
Dela Rosa has not attended Senate sessions or made any public appearances following reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant against him.
Under Senate rules, a member's attendance may be compelled only if his or her vote is deemed crucial, according to Senate President Tito Sotto.
Sotto, however, noted that such authority cannot be exercised if a senator is abroad, pointing out that the Senate no longer requires prior approval for personal travel.
Asked about Dela Rosa's continued absence, Sotto said he has not compelled the senator to attend sessions, stressing that accountability ultimately lies with the elected official.
Sotto added that Dela Rosa's office continues to function despite his absence, with staff still submitting inputs on measures under deliberation. He said Senate operations remain unaffected and that the chamber has not encountered quorum problems in plenary sessions, committee hearings, or bicameral conference committees even without Dela Rosa's presence.
