Sen. Bato dela Rosa Speaks on Upcoming Absence at 4th SONA of Marcos Jr.
BATO DELA ROSA – The Duterte-ally Senator claimed he does not want to be “plastic” so he will not attend the 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Bongbong Marcos.
Vice Pres. Sara Duterte previously announced that she will skip the 4th SONA of Marcos Jr. as her South Korea gathering with the Filipinos there is already confirmed. She did not disclose the exact date of the event but confirmed that she will not be present at the annual address of the Chief Executive.
Duterte was also absent during the 3rd SONA of Marcos Jr. It is no secret to the public anymore that there is an ongoing rift between the highest and the second-highest officials in the country. According to the Vice President, she has no ill feelings with the President but she has a problem with his performance.
Recently, a Duterte-ally senator, Bato dela Rosa, announced that he will also skip the 4th SONA of Pres. Bongbong Marcos. Based on a report on Inquirer, it is his personal decision and his colleagues in the “Duter7” composed of fellow senators Bong Go, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Mark Villar, and Camille Villar can decide on their own.
According to Sen. Bato dela Rosa, he does not want to be “plastic” so he prefers not to attend the 4th SONA of Pres. Bongbong Marcos. He admitted his differences with some members of the House of Representatives and officials of the Marcos administration.
“I’d be pretending in front of congressmen I’m upset with. Not all of them, but there are congressmen—and some people in Malacañang—I’m disappointed with. So why should I pretend?” he said.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa claimed that it would be awkward to attend the 4th SONA of Marcos Jr. frowning when deep inside he is upset with some people there. According to him, he has no more expectations from the government.
“Alangan naman papunta ko doon na pa-smile-smile kahit na masama ang loob ko sa kanila,” the Senator said.
Based on the report, Sen. Bato dela Rosa hopes that the Philippine government will focus on the betterment of the country. Malacañang has yet to react to the remarks of the former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief turned Senator.
Recently, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin claimed that Sen. Bato dela Rosa may be arrested if a warrant of arrest is issued by the ICC (International Criminal Court) against him. He stressed that the Senator may receive a similar treatment with his former boss, former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands.