The civil society group “‘Wag Kang KuCorrupt’ demanded on Wednesday (Feb. 25) disciplinary penalties in the Senate against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for his continued absence in the Senate.

The group filed the ethics complaint before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, saying that dela Rosa’s repeated failure to report for work and perform his functions as senator “constitutes not only a clear dereliction of duty but also a grave abuse of the privilege entrusted to him by the Filipino people.”

Dela Rosa’s absences in Senate sessions and at his office were noted shortly after news spread about the release by the International Criminal Court of a warrant for his arrest.

The former Philippine National Police chief, together with Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go have been named co-conspirators in the alleged mass killings of persons suspected of involvement in the use or sale of illegal drugs.

With former President Rodrigo Duterte as the alleged mastermind of the murders, Dela Rosa and Go are facing charges of crimes against humanity currently being tried by the ICC in The Hague.

The “Wat Kang KuCorrupt” said that as senator, Dela Rosa “carries the constitutional and moral obligation to attend sessions, participate in legislative deliberations and fulfill oversight responsibilities.”

“Moreover, as Chair of Senate committees, his absence inevitable causes delays in scheduled hearings, pending legislative measures, oversight functions and timely consideration of matters within the jurisdiction of the committees,” the complainant stated.