Senator Bato Dela Rosa’s Disappointment in Government
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa announced on Thursday that he no longer expects anything from the government, emphasizing his decision to skip President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (Sona). He expressed his hopes that the administration would focus on improving the Philippines but clarified that he has no expectations.
“I have no more expectations from this government… I don’t want to expect. I’m just hoping that they focus on making the Philippines better… But I’m not expecting. Expectations are different from what is anticipated,” Dela Rosa shared with reporters.
Anticipation Amid ICC Arrest Warrant Concerns
When asked further, Dela Rosa revealed he expects Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to insist on the possibility of his arrest should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue a warrant related to his controversial campaign, which involved thousands of fatalities.
According to sources, Bersamin allegedly mentioned that Dela Rosa might receive treatment similar to that given to former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was arrested by Philippine police in March over alleged crimes against humanity following an ICC warrant from The Hague.
“I expect Secretary Bersamin to insist what he has been saying,” Dela Rosa stated, holding the Marcos administration accountable for cooperating with the ICC in executing the arrest warrant against Duterte.
Reasons Behind Skipping the State of the Nation Address
The former Philippine National Police chief during the Duterte era declared he will not attend Marcos’ Sona, explaining he refuses to be “plastic” with the administration.
“I don’t want to pretend… It wouldn’t make sense to go there frowning. That would be awkward, right? It also wouldn’t feel right to smile when deep inside I’m upset with them,” he expressed mostly in Filipino.
“I’d be pretending in front of congressmen I’m upset with. Not all of them, but there are congressmen—and some people in Malacañang—I’m disappointed with. So why should I pretend?” he added.
Personal Decision to Boycott; No Influence on Colleagues
When asked if his Senate bloc, the “Duter7,” would also skip the Sona, Dela Rosa clarified that his boycott was a personal choice.
“That’s my personal decision… I don’t drag my colleagues. Whatever they want to do, they can do it. This is my personal decision. They have their own decision,” he said.
Duter7’s Support for Senate Leadership
The Duterte-aligned Senate group, called the “Duter7,” has committed to backing Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s leadership in the 20th Congress.
The group includes Senators Dela Rosa, Christopher “Bong” Go, Robin Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, and siblings Mark and Camille Villar.
“So far it’s well-settled within the group in principle. We are going to support Senator Chiz Escudero as the Senate President,” Dela Rosa said.
“The prevailing contenders are (Senator Vicente) Sotto and Escudero, right? And between Sotto from the ‘Veterans bloc’ and Escudero from the present dispensation, we prefer that Sen. Chiz continues his leadership,” he added.
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