Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has issued an apology after facing backlash for mocking the facial appearance of Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña, a stroke survivor.
In a statement on Sunday, Dela Rosa admitted that his remarks were inappropriate and took full responsibility for the offense they caused.
“The past few days have been tough for Filipinos, especially for us Mindanaoans and Cebuano-speaking people. Many were angry, and as I empathized with their sentiments, I ended up saying things that were inappropriate and hurtful,” he said.
He also extended a direct apology to Cendaña, saying, “I make no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt my words have caused.”
The controversy arose after Dela Rosa commented on a social media post by INQUIRER.net, responding to Cendaña’s criticism of Vice President Sara Duterte’s remark comparing impeachment to losing a partner.
In Bisaya, Dela Rosa commented: “Your face looks as though it has been punched, that’s why it’s skewed. Come here so I can punch the other side of your face and make it balanced.”
Though the comment was deleted, it had already circulated online.
Cendaña accepted the apology but urged Dela Rosa to extend it to all stroke survivors who were affected by his remarks.
“I welcome Senator Bato’s apology. I hope he can also do the same to all stroke survivors who were hurt by his remarks. Hindi tayo balat sibuyas, pero ibang usapan when a public servant of such high position uses his voice to threaten people with violence and discriminate people with health concerns,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of responsible leadership, stating, “Nawa’y magsilbi itong mahalagang aral, na ang tunay na lider ay hindi lamang may kapangyarihan kundi may malasakit, to keep our political discourse rationale and humane, at ang panawagan ng pananagutan ay hindi personal na atake kanino man kundi responsibilidad ng lahat ng mamamayan.”
Ending his statement with a pointed remark, Cendaña said, “Oh siya, balik na tayo sa totoong sapakan—sapakan ng mga ebidensya ukol sa pang-aabuso at pandarambong ni Sara.”
Dela Rosa’s remarks have drawn criticism from various groups, with calls for public officials to be more mindful of their language.
