De Lima rejects absence comparison with Dela Rosa

Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Sunday rejected comparisons between her absences in the Senate and those of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who has not attended any Senate sessions since November 11.

“With due respect, SP Sotto should not compare me or Sen. Trillanes with Sen. Bato’s situation. Our non-attendance in Senate sessions during our incumbency was involuntary,” De Lima said in a statement.

“I could not be physically present in the Senate because I was in detention to face fabricated charges filed against me by the Duterte administration," she said.

"On the other hand, Sen. Bato is running away from possible arrest by the ICC (International Criminal Court),” De Lima added.

The lawmaker pointed out that despite being detained, she continued working by filing proposed measures, some of which later became law.

“Nakiusap pa nga ako na mag-participate sa online sessions and hearings ng Senate during the pandemic dahil ginagawa naman na ‘yun, pero hindi napagbigyan ng mayorya ng Senado,” she said.

(I even requested to participate in the Senate’s online sessions and hearings during the pandemic, since they were already being conducted that way, but the Senate majority did not allow it.)

“These matters of productivity in legislative output and my constant eagerness to join plenary sessions and committee hearings despite my unjust detention are clear evidence of work and intent to work,” De Lima added.

De Lima protested her being used as a scapegoat for the Senate leadership's failure to discipline Dela Rosa.

“Huwag n’yo naman po kaming gamiting excuse sa hindi pagdisiplina sa isang delinkwenteng senador,” she said.

(Do not use us as an excuse to avoid disciplining a delinquent senator.)

In 2024, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court granted De Lima’s demurrer to evidence, effectively dismissing the last drug case filed against her during the Duterte administration.

In 2017, a Muntinlupa court ordered De Lima’s detention following the filing of three separate drug cases.

Earlier this month, Senator Imee Marcos said Dela Rosa continues to perform his duties despite not being seen in the Senate.

Dela Rosa’s absences began after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla alleged that the ICC had issued a warrant of arrest against the former police chief over the deadly war on drugs under the Duterte administration.—MCG, GMA Integrated News