Reelectionist Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa issued a dire warning to voters during the PDP-Laban’s final campaign rally at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila, cautioning that the country faces a bleak future if his party’s senatorial candidates fail to secure seats in the upcoming elections.
“Wala kayo ibang gawin kundi iboto itong samahan ito,” Dela Rosa was quoted as saying by GMA News Online report, emphasizing the importance of choosing leaders who prioritize the nation’s welfare over personal gain.
In his speech, Dela Rosa cautioned against being swayed by politicians who offer financial incentives in exchange for votes. He stressed the long-term impact of voter decisions on future generations, especially regarding issues such as illegal drugs, crime, and corruption.
“Ang isipin ninyo sa Lunes, pagboto ninyo, ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa,” he declared. “Ang kinabukasan ng mga sumusunod na henerasyon na dapat sila ay hindi mga nganga sa problema ng droga, kriminalidad, at korupsyon.”
The senator also underscored the need for an independent Senate, free from the influence of powerful figures or institutions. “Magkakaroon kayo ng Senado na hindi hawak sa leeg, hindi hawak sa ilong na kung sino man,” he said.
Dela Rosa, who first won a Senate seat in 2019 during the Duterte administration, maintained that his campaign was not for personal ambition but for the nation’s future.
“I am not even campaigning for myself. I have to campaign for the future of this nation,” he added.
Jayvee Hinlo, another PDP-Laban candidate, directed his criticism at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., questioning the disunity of the once-strong Uniteam coalition. He accused the current administration of abandoning former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is now facing charges of crimes against humanity in The Hague.
“Bakit hati ngayon ang Pilipinas? Anong nangyari sa Uniteam?” Hinlo challenged, while also questioning Marcos’ decisions, including the abolition of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and Duterte’s arrest.
The PDP-Laban’s 10-man senatorial lineup is led by Dela Rosa, Senator Bong Go, and SAGIP Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta. The slate also includes lawyers Jayvee Hinlo, Jimmy Bondoc, Raul Lambino, and Vic Rodriguez; physician Richard Mata; actor Philip Salvador; and detained pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The party’s candidates have vowed to bring back Duterte from The Hague and protect Vice President Sara Duterte from impeachment, further solidifying their alliance with the former president.
