Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa brushed off criticisms over former President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial statement about killing senators, insisting that Duterte was merely joking and should not be taken literally.
Dela Rosa, a reelectionist under PDP-Laban, laughed off concerns about Duterte’s remarks during the party’s proclamation rally, saying, “Hanggang ngayon, ‘di pa niyo kilala si Pangulong Duterte?” (Until now, you still don’t know President Duterte?). He emphasized that the statement was clearly made in jest.
Duterte had quipped about eliminating 15 senators to open up seats, adding, “Talking of opportunities, the only way to do it is pasabugin na lang natin” (just blow them up). The comment drew criticism, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. cautioning against normalizing violence in politics.
Senators, including Risa Hontiveros, also responded to Duterte’s statement, adding to the ongoing debate over his rhetoric.