Strong Call to Vote for PDP-Laban Senate Candidates
Reelectionist Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa issued a firm warning to Filipino voters during PDP-Laban’s miting de avance at Liwasang Bonifacio. He stressed that the country’s future looks bleak if PDP-Laban’s senatorial candidates are not elected.
“Wala kayo ibang gawin kundi iboto itong samahan ito,” he declared, urging voters to support the entire slate without hesitation.
He further cautioned voters not to be tempted by politicians offering money or favors in exchange for votes. Instead, he urged everyone to consider the nation’s long-term welfare.
“Sa Lunes, isipin ninyo ang kinabukasan ng bansa at ng mga susunod na henerasyon. Hindi dapat sila maging biktima ng droga, kriminalidad, at korupsyon,” he said.
Independent Senate Free from Political Control
Dela Rosa emphasized the importance of having a Senate that is independent and not controlled by powerful figures or institutions.
“Dapat magkaroon tayo ng Senado na hindi hawak sa leeg o ilong ng kahit sino, lalo na ng Malacañang o ng ibang sangay ng gobyerno,” he explained.
According to him, this independence will ensure the doctrine of checks and balances is truly upheld, preventing abuses by other government branches.
Campaign Beyond Personal Interest
Ending his speech, Dela Rosa made it clear that his campaign goes beyond personal ambitions.
“Hindi ako nananawagan para sa sarili ko. Laban tayo para sa kinabukasan ng bansa. Kung mga pulitikong puro pera lang ang iniisip ang manalo, goodbye Pilipinas. Pero kung ayaw ninyo ng goodbye, ito ang solusyon,” he said, pointing to his fellow PDP-Laban candidates.
Questions Raised Over Uniteam Coalition
Meanwhile, senatorial candidate Jayvee Hinlo took aim at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., questioning the unity of the previously strong Uniteam coalition.
“Marcos, nagsimula tayo bilang Uniteam, kaibigan mo ang lahat ng ito. Bakit hati ngayon ang Pilipinas? Ano ang nangyari sa Uniteam?” Hinlo asked.
He also criticized recent moves by the administration, including the abolition of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the arrest of former President Duterte abroad.
“Bakit, Pangulong Marcos, inabolish ang PACC? Bakit pinadakip si Pangulong Duterte? Bakit kinuha mo si Tatay Digong mula sa mga Pilipino?” he questioned.
PDP-Laban’s Senate Slate and Election Outlook
The PDP-Laban campaign kicked off their final rally just days before the 2025 national and local elections. Their 10-man senatorial slate includes incumbents like Dela Rosa, Bong Go, and Sagip party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta.
Other candidates include lawyers Jayvee Hinlo, Jimmy Bondoc, Raul Lambino, and Vic Rodriguez; physician Richard Mata; actor Philip Salvador; and detained pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
These candidates have vowed to push for Duterte’s return from The Hague and pledge to block any impeachment moves against Vice President Sara Duterte if elected.
