By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has affirmed his readiness to participate in the enforcement of the arrest order against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
He stated that he is prepared to assist the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms upon request, once the Senate’s directive to arrest the KOJC founder is executed.
Dela Rosa also mentioned his willingness to provide aid to Quiboloy should the pastor seek assistance to ensure his safety.
Assuring Quiboloy’s well-being if he is detained within the Senate, the senator pledged that no harm would befall him under Senate custody.
Moreover, Dela Rosa expressed confidence that the implementation of the arrest order would transpire without any violent incidents.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has underscored the significance of establishing a Philippine National Police (PNP) DNA database as a potent deterrent against crime.
This assertion came as he presented Senate Bill 2474 during the Senate plenary session on Wednesday.
“The DNA present in every nucleated cell of the human body can be extracted from skin, blood, saliva, and bone. Therefore, the implementation of a DNA database under the Philippine National Police would serve as a formidable deterrent,” stated Dela Rosa, who chairs the Senate Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Committee.
“The probability of apprehending potential offenders significantly increases with the presence of DNA evidence. DNA serves as a trail that can lead to the resolution of criminal cases. This preventive aspect adds a layer of security to the overall law enforcement strategy,” the former PNP chief elaborated.
The legislator emphasized that a DNA database could aid the government in identifying missing persons or unidentified human remains, such as victims of natural disasters.
“While DNA testing cannot resurrect the departed, it does provide some solace to those who endure the painful process of grieving and healing. I believe that this DNA Database will humanize the victims of disasters,” he remarked.
“More than a hundred and sixty years have passed since the discovery of DNA. I hope that this year will mark the Senate’s commitment, alongside our nation as a whole, to harnessing this discovery for its most beneficial and humane applications,” he concluded.
(el Amigo/MNM)
0By Liza Soriano
MANILA — The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs has investigated the industry’s vulnerability to exploitation, harassment, and unfair treatment in the “Perya” industry.
“The Perya, with its lights, cheerful music, and lively atmosphere, is a cherished tradition that brings us together, young and old alike, to celebrate life and create lasting memories. It serves as a lifeline for many operators and their families, providing a means of livelihood in an environment where economic opportunities are scarce,” Dela Rosa, chairman of the committee, said.
“However, despite their invaluable contributions to our communities, they face challenges such as regulatory hurdles, competition from larger establishments, and the constant threat of eviction from public spaces,” he added.
Earlier, Dela Rosa filed Senate Resolution No. 921 after the Perya Industry of the Philippines Association (PIPA) issued a position paper in December 2023, alleging that there are some “bagmen” from law enforcement agencies who continuously harass and force them to pay.
We aim to shed light on this. We hope to send the message that, in the same way that the Perya is available to all, justice, too, excludes no one, and must be applied to all. Justice should be our standard of treatment for everyone, whether Senator, police personnel, or perya operator,” the former Philippine National Police chief said.
“Ayaw natin na makita na iyong nasa perya, sa circus, iyong clown na nakatawa, nagpapatawa sa mga kabataan at sa mga tao na nanonood, sa likuran pala ng kanyang maskara, ng nakatawang clown, ay isang malungkot na indibidwal. Malungkot na tao dahil ang iniisip niya, iyong kanyang kinikita dito sa perya ay kulang pa pambigay ng SOP,” the senator added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Friday (02 Feb 2024) said that he would cut his neck if it were proven that the accusations of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio of being involved in “Oplan Tokhang” were proven true.
“Isa lang ang masasabi ko d’yan, ‘yang sinasabi niya ngayon na bago na namang version na dinadawit nila si Inday Sara sa Tokhang, paputol ako ng leeg kung ma-prove nila,” Dela Rosa said.
“Paputol ako ng leeg kaagad kung ma-prove niya ‘yan na si Sara ang nasa likuran niyan,” he added.
The senator was referring to the accusations made by former Davao Senior Police Officer Arturo “Arthur” Lascañas.
Earlier, Duterte-Carpio slammed the accusations of her alleged involvement in “Oplan Tokhang,” saying that it was a “new script and was the first time to be linked in the issue.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa commended on Tuesday (30 Jan 2024) the Commission on Elections for suspending all proceedings related to people’s initiative.
“At this juncture, I would like to commend the COMELEC, led by Chairperson (George) Garcia, in suspending all their proceedings relative to the ongoing Politician’s (People’s) Initiative,” Dela Rosa said in his opening statement on Tuesday (30 Jan 2024).
“Kahit po suspendido ng COMELEC ang pagtanggap ng mga pirma, kailangan pa rin nating bigyang linaw kung paano at sino ang mga nanloko sa ating mga kababayan para makakalap ng pirma para sa Politician’s (Poeple’s) Initiative,” he added.
The senator urged the public to take back their signature for the campaign to have the People’s Initiative (PI) amend the 1987 Constitution.
“Sa ating mga kababayan, nananawagan po kami sa inyo, kasama ang panawagan ng ating COMELEC, maaari nyo pong bawiin ang inyong pirma na sapilitang kinuha sa inyo ng Politician’s Initiative,” Dela Rosa said.
“Huwag po natin hayaang magtagumpay ang mga mapanlinlang at masasamang loob na gustong nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan,” the lawmaker ended.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has expressed his disappointment with Filipinos who endorse the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into the Philippines’ war on drugs under Duterte.
“I don’t understand why these bleeding hearts eagerly want to surrender our sovereignty to foreign bodies. They don’t seem to love our country. They want to disrespect our courts,” Dela Rosa said in a radio interview.
The senator emphasized that the Philippine courts have been functioning effectively in handling cases.
“Our courts are working. Why do we think otherwise?” he said.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa expressed his fear of imprisonment by the ICC, citing concerns about missing his grandchildren.
“I’m not afraid to admit if I’ve committed a wrongdoing; no, I’m afraid of being imprisoned because it would be hard for my grandchildren, and I won’t be able to see them,” the senator said.
“It would be different if you’re jailed here in the Philippines. But they’ll lock you up in The Hague. So what now? How can I visit my grandchildren? They will grow up without their grandfather. So, my grandchildren would be pitiful. I love my grandchildren so much,” he added.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has expressed confidence in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s commitment that investigators from the International Criminal Court (ICC) will not enter the country to probe former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-illegal drugs campaign.
“President’s assurance during our dinner at Malacañang is as solid as a rock. I believe in the President. My trust in him regarding the ICC remains unwavering. I wholeheartedly believe that he will not allow the entry of the ICC,” Dela Rosa stated.
In light of this, the lawmaker urged authorities to verify and confirm any alleged entry of ICC investigators into the country, ensuring that the government’s stance on the matter is upheld.
“The government’s position should be unwavering and evident on the ground. If the official stance is that they are not to be entertained and they are meddling here conducting investigations, as former Senator [Juan Ponce] Enrile mentioned, they can be arrested,” he emphasized.
Should unauthorized ICC investigations occur in the Philippines, Dela Rosa insisted that the Department of Justice take appropriate action by declaring them as undesirable aliens and ordering their immediate deportation.
“I will ask the DOJ to do the right thing. This is a significant encroachment on our sovereignty. If they are not authorized by our government and yet they are here conducting investigations, it’s like we are being fooled by these people. They should promptly be declared undesirable aliens by the Bureau of Immigration,” Dela Rosa asserted.
(El Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed the need to be prepared after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. mentioned that the government is exploring the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“I feel I should be ready for any eventuality because the political situation in the Philippines is very fluid. So I have to be prepared—ready to react, ready to speak, ready to sing, ready to dance. Just ready for whatever comes our way,” Dela Rosa stated.
The former Philippine National Police chief affirmed his readiness to face the Philippine court.
“If it’s a foreign body, I am not willing, but it’s not an indication that I’ll abandon you. You might say, ‘Bato is going to run away.’ I won’t leave. If our court says, ‘Bato, face this, come to us,’ then I will face it,” he asserted.
Dela Rosa, who served as the PNP chief during the implementation of the war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte, remains confident about navigating through the ICC probe into matters related to the war on drugs.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed his confidence on Thursday (23 Nov 2023) that he would successfully navigate the International Criminal Court (ICC) probe into the war on drugs.
Dela Rosa served as the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief during the implementation of the war on drugs under the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte which was launched month of July 2016.
“When it’s there, we have no choice but to face it. I will face it. I am very confident that I can overcome it if I am included. After all, I am part of the investigation, right?” he stated in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.
“I will face it without any problem if it pushes through,” Dela Rosa added.
However, he emphasized that he would not cooperate with the ICC if the Philippine government does not cooperate.
“Why would I cooperate? Why would I provide a deposition or submit my counter-affidavit when our government itself refuses to cooperate with them?” Dela Rosa countered.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. previously declared that the Philippines, under his administration, would not cooperate with the ICC’s investigation into the war on drugs.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos stated that it would be a “big shame” if the Philippines were to cooperate with the ICC.
“Think about it – it’s like surrendering our sovereignty. We won’t be a republic anymore, just relying on them. Seriously? Our courts are robust; they even released [former] Senator Leila de Lima. Isn’t that proof that our judicial system is sound and functioning?” she added.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
APPARENTLY EXPECTING THE WORST scenario, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Thursday said he is willing to face the International Criminal Court (ICC) which will investigate the Rodrigo Roa Duterte administration’s bloody drug war that human rights groups claimed to have victimized 30,000 people, including innocent civilians.
At first, Dela Rosa hesitated why he would need to cooperate with the ICC probe when the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in July refused to comply with the ICC request entry to the country for an investigation.
“Kapag nandiyan ‘yan, wala tayong magawa kundi harapin. Harapin ‘yan. I am very confident naman na malulusutan ko ‘yan, kung kasama ako,” the retired cop-turned-lawmaker said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.
In July, Dela Rosa said that he will avoid going to countries that are member-states of the ICC.
He added that the Philippine government cannot issue an arrest warrant against him since the Philippines does not recognize the ICC.
To recall, before Dela Rosa became Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, he served as Davao City police chief when FPRRD was mayor.
The shadowy Davao Death Squad (DDS) flourished under Duterte and was accused of implementing kill orders from higher-ups that allegedly included the feisty Davao City mayor.
Former DDS member Arturo Lascañas had implicated Dela Rosa as among the alleged “enablers” of Duterte.
(AI/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Monday expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision to grant former senator Leila De Lima the opportunity to post bail after six years of detention.
“Masaya ako para sa kanya dahil one soul that is freed from detention, masaya ako para sa aking kapwa tao,” Dela Rosa said.
“As I have said, I respect the court’s decision as I always also observe separation of powers. Respetuhin natin kung ano ang desisyon ng korte,” the senator said.
When the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte filed drug cases against De Lima, Dela Rosa was the head of the national police.
The lady senator was one of the most vocal critics of Duterte and his anti-drug campaign that started right after his ascension to power in 2016.
Dela Rosa mentioned that he already expected that the case would weaken after the administration of Duterte.
“I cannot really say with certainty na mahina ang kaso because it withstood the time of President Duterte’s term and after his term, ito na ngayon… dahan-dahang nadi-dismiss so hindi ko masabi. Does it mean na malakas siya noon tapos ngayon humina na? Hindi naman siguro because the facts are the same, the circumstances are still the same,” Dela Rosa said.
“Expected ko na yan at naging trend naman talaga yan dito sa Pilipinas… kapag yung administrasyon nag-file ng kaso, ‘pag napalitan yung administrasyon, tila humihina yung kaso, parang ganon ang napapansin ko,” he continued.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has called on teachers to be more vigilant following the removal of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) from the Department of Education (DepEd) by the Senate on Thursday.
Dela Rosa expressed concern about a potential increase in the recruitment of insurgents among basic education learners due to the absence of CIF. He commended Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte for not pursuing CIF for both the Office of the Vice President and the DepEd.
Dela Rosa urged teachers to ensure that students are not recruited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in remote areas, leading them to fight against the government and potentially lose their lives.
He emphasized the need to prevent the recruitment of students by insurgents, citing a previous Senate investigation into missing Senior High School learners who were recruited by insurgents.
The senator noted that the removal of DepEd’s confidential funds might embolden insurgents, as these funds were intended to counter recruitment efforts targeting students in Senior High School.
The DepEd had previously stated that CIF was crucial for addressing threats to the learning environment, the safety of personnel, and various forms of misconduct.
Meanwhile, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go praised the Senate for adding PHP3 billion to the DepEd’s budget. He expressed admiration for Vice President Duterte’s decision not to pursue confidential funds, aiming to resolve the divisive issue.
Go emphasized the importance of allocating the removed budget back to programs that benefit the country, particularly addressing the backlog in classrooms.
The DepEd had requested PHP150 million as CIF, but the House of Representatives cut this amount.
The approved 2024 budget for DepEd in the 2024 General Appropriations Act is PHP718.082 billion out of the proposed PHP758 billion.
This budget covers various aspects, including the Office of the Secretary, Early Childhood Care and Development Council, National Academy of Sports, National Book Development Board, National Council for Children’s Television, National Museum of the Philippines, and the Philippine High School for the Arts.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said he would push for the retention of the Department of Education’s confidential fund that was realigned by Congress to other government agencies.
“I maintain [my position] as far as myself is concerned regarding confidential funds, sa akin wala akong pakialam sa Office of the Vice President kung tanggalan nila ‘yan ng confidential fund despite it being the second-highest office of the land,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with ANC.
“Alam nating may confidential fund ay ang Office of the President why not give confidential fund to the Office of the Vice President too?” the senator added.
The lawmaker said that confidential funds for DepEd will be used for monitoring and to counter the alleged recruitment of communists in schools.
“What I was fighting for eh sana hindi naman ma-zero ang confidential fund ng DepEd. Dahil alam ko, itong confidential fund ng DepEd doon sa pagmomonitor doon sa nga recruitment,” Dela Rosa said. “And on how to counter it.”
Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte has requested P150 million in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) for the fiscal year 2024.
The House of Representatives has stripped off the confidential funds of at least five agencies including the DepEd and the Office of the Vice President.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed his willingness to advocate for the Department of Education’s confidential funds, with the caveat that he is not ardently pursuing this cause.
On Monday, Dela Rosa stated that he would not vigorously defend DepEd’s confidential funds unless he garners substantial support from his colleagues, including Senate leadership.
“I will assess the level of support, including that of the Senate leadership, which will significantly influence our efforts during the plenary session,” Dela Rosa remarked. “However, it’s important to note that I am not fully committed to this cause.”
He further explained, “My primary concern is the missed opportunity to completely halt the recruitment of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army within our educational institutions.”
The House of Representatives has recently removed the P150 million allocation for DepEd’s confidential funds.
Meanwhile, Dela Rosa underscored that the Department of Education is the most suitable agency to address the issue of student recruitment.
“If you wish to address the recruitment of students in educational institutions, then you must involve the appropriate agency, which is DepEd,” he emphasized.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
NAKATAKDANG bisitahin ngayong araw ng Sabado ni Senador Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa ang Sitio Kapihan sa Socorro Surigao del Norte kung saan naninirahan ang mga kasapi ng umano’y kultong Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated o SBSI.
Ang gagawing pagbisita ay bahagi ng imbestigasyon ng Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs na pinamumunuan ng senador, na dating hepe ng Philippine National Police.
Sinabi ni Dela Rosa na kabilang sa kanyang pupuntahan ang umano’y mass grave at ospital sa Sitio Kapihan base na rin sa testimonya ng mga naging testigo sa Senado na mga dating miyembro ng SBSI na mayroong libingan at ospital sa naturang lugar kung saan si Jay Rence Quilario, alyas Senyor Agila, ang nanggagamot.
Nilinaw naman ng senador na hindi ipapahukay ang libingan kundi aalamin lang kung sino-sino ang nakalibing at ano ang dahilan ng pagkamatay at bakit ito tinawag na mass grave para magawan ng rekomenadasyon sa mga awtoridad.
Matatandaan na noong pagdinig ng Senado ay iginiit ni Senadora Risa Hontiveros na mayroong mga permit na kailangan para sa pagpapalakad ng mga libingan at ospital.
Sinabi pa ni Dela Rosa na sila ang magrerekomenda ng kaso kaugnay sa pagpuwersa umano ng SBSI sa mga menor de edad na mga bata na mag asawa na.
Ito’y kinumpirma rin ng Department of Justice (DOJ) at sinabing may 21 menor de edad ang may kinakasama na mas nakatatanda.
Pagbabatayan din ito sa kanyang isusulong na paglilinaw sa batas kung saan dapat mapunta ang kustodiya ng mga bata na ayaw nang sumama sa kanilang mga magulang.
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
SENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said that their group has not discussed yet the possible return of former president Rodrigo Duterte to politics.
This was Dela Rosa’s response to speculations about Duterte’s return to politics although the former president emerged tops in Publicus Asia’s survey of possible senatorial candidates in 2025 that was released on Thursday. Sept 22, 2023.
Dela Rosa said that he would rather see Duterte in his private life. However, he would also support the former president should the latter decide to return to politics.
“Kung gusto niya, (Duterte) fight. Gamit na gamit pa ‘yung pagiging Digong Duterte sa taumbayan. Magamit pa rin ‘yung kanyang kaalaman at eksperyensya,” he said.
“Pero on the other hand, maganda rin yung magpahinga siya, because he has spent too much time of his lifetime in government service. It’s about time siguro na magpahinga siya, at sarili lang nya ang atupagin niya at mag-enjoy na lang sya sa nalalabing panahon niya dito sa mundo,” the lawmaker added.
The senator added that Duterte came back to his “old mayor self.”
“Kung ‘yung basehan ‘yung utak niya (Duterte), kung gaano kakulit ‘yung tao, kung gaano ka-komedyante, ay bumalik na. Parang mayor na rin siya dati. ‘Yung kanyang mga kalokohan kung magsasalita, eh bumabalik sa dati,” Dela Rosa said. (ai/mnm)