‘Bato’ to run for senator, files COC

FILE: ‘BATO’ FACES MEDIA. Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and Bureau of Corrections Director Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa answers questions from the media after filing his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for senator in the 2019 midterm elections at the Commission on Elections main office in Intramuros, Manila on Friday (Oct. 12, 2018). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA — Former Philippine National Police chief and erstwhile Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa formalized his bid for a seat in the Senate when he filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on Friday morning.

He was accompanied by his wife Nancy and daughter Macky when he handed-in his documents at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) main office in Intramuros, Manila.

Dela Rosa explained that he wants to take his fight against lawlessness to the upper chamber.

“Finally, I filed my certificate of candidacy because I am serious in running for the Senate. God willing, kung suwertehin. Ang ifofocus ko law enforcement, safety and security, peace and order and of course the corrections. Dyan ako magfofocus. Sana suwertihin tayo at God will bless us,” he said in an interview.

Dela Rosa admitted that aside from his desire to run, President Rodrigo R. Duterte was influential in his decision to seek an elective position under the administration party, Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).

“Ang president ang sabi niya…but initially gustong gusto ko talaga. Between governor at senador. Sabi niya kasi noon takbo ka as senador,” he said.

“Yes. He will support me by his endorsement alone. But no financial support. Kulang ‘yung pera ng Presidente natin. The very fact na sinabi niya na susuportahan niya ako, it will encourage more ang tao na boboto sa akin (More people would be encouraged to vote for me just by the president’s expression of support),” dela Rosa added.

Asked why he is seeking for a Senate seat, he said, “Gustong-gusto ko magserbisyo. I am too young to retire. I have retired from the PNP at 56 year-old. At alam kong malakas pa ako. Madami pa akong madedeliver na serbisyo sa taong bayan. Parang pulitiko na ba ako magsalita? (I want to serve. I have retired from the PNP at 56 and I know I am still strong and able. I can still serve the people. Does it sound like I am already a politician?),” he said.

Dela Rosa added that should he win a Senate seat, he would push for the revival of the death penalty.

“Death Penalty para sa drug trafficking at saka yung under heinous crimes like yung death, rape, at saka yung murder na talagang karumal-dumal. Ako talaga more on drugs dahil nakikita ko, personal experience ko ito na maniwala na lang kayo sa akin,” dela Rosa added.

Meanwhile, the former PNP chief explained that he filed his COC at exactly 11 a.m. based on his belief in feng shui.

“Dapat kasi 11 a.m. daw ako magfifile. Nung dumating ako 10 minutes before 11 pa. Feng shui ba. Walang masama kung maniniwala tayo sa Feng shui di ba? Para daw yung sun is directly above you. ‘Yung energy ng sun directly papunta sa ulo ni Bato. Wala pang buhok kaya iaabsorb lahat ng energy ng sun,” he said.