Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is facing backlash after making an offensive comment about Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña, a stroke survivor, during an online exchange regarding Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment remarks.
Dela Rosa, responding to Cendaña’s criticism of Duterte’s dismissal of her impeachment as less painful than a breakup, took aim at the congressman’s facial expression. In a comment posted on Inquirer.net’s Facebook page on February 7, the senator suggested punching the other side of Cendaña’s face to make it look “balanced.”
Cendaña, in response, revealed that his appearance is due to surviving a stroke, prompting widespread condemnation from health advocates and disability rights groups.
“Senator Bato dela Rosa’s attack on Rep. Perci Cendaña is not just cruel — it is an insult to the dignity of persons with health conditions,” a coalition of advocates said in a statement. They demanded an apology from Dela Rosa and urged the Senate to take disciplinary action.
The group further criticized the senator for reinforcing harmful stereotypes and failing to uphold respect for individuals with disabilities. “His words were not just offensive, they were demeaning and harmful,” they added.
Former senator Leila de Lima also denounced Dela Rosa’s remarks, calling them “unacceptable” and highlighting the inappropriate use of violence in his response.
As of Saturday morning, at least 30 advocates and the organization Epilepsy Awareness Philippines had joined the call for accountability. Dela Rosa has yet to issue a public apology.
