‘Bato’ elated, saddened over term extension

Dela Rosa was supposed to retire last Jan. 21 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 but his term was extended by Duterte by three months or until this coming April 24. (Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA — While expressing surprise over the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend his term for a little longer, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Tuesday said that he will continue to do his job well.

“Extension? Nagulat nga ako nung lumabas yung balita kahapon na sinabi daw niya (President Duterte). Well, walang problema sa akin, continue lang (I was surprised to hear the news yesterday about what he said. Well, I have no problem about it, just continue, continue the fight),” he added.

And while feeling elated as term extension is equated with trust and confidence of the Chief Executive, Dela Rosa said he is also saddened as his retirement plans were put again on hold.

“Una, masaya na medyo malungkot kaunti (First, I am happy but I am also a bit sad). Masaya in the sense (na) andyan pa rin yung trust and confidence ni Presidente sa atin na patuloy tayong nagtatrabaho and masaya rin ako na patuloy yung aking pagseserbisyo sa ating bansa, tuloy pa rin (Happy in the sense that I still enjoy the President’s trust and confidence and that I continue to work and serve the country). On the other hand, medyo malungkot konti dahil nasira yung mga plano sa retirement dahil merong akong mga plano para sa aking pamilya kung ano gagawin namin (I am a bit said because I have to shelve again my plans for retirement. I already have plans for my family when I retire),” the PNP chief emphasized.

Dela Rosa was supposed to retire last Jan. 21 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 but his term was extended by Duterte by three months or until this coming April 24.

The Chief Executive decided to extend Dela Rosa’s term as PNP chief in a bid to beef up reforms in the police force.