MANILA, Philippines – Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go formalized their reelection bids on Thursday, October 3, as they filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs). They were joined by actor Phillip Salvador, who is also seeking a Senate seat.
All three of them are running under the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP), chaired by former president Rodrigo Duterte. Senator Robin Padilla, president of PDP, accompanied them in their COC filing at the Manila Hotel.
In his bid for a fresh Senate term, Dela Rosa said that he would continue his advocacy on peace and order and security.
“I will continue my fight against illegal drugs and criminality. And, for national defense and security, we will situate that our national defense posture should be credible enough against foreign invaders,” he said.
He also said that he would continue to push for the controversial mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) despite criticisms from various sectors.
Dela Rosa, regarded as the chief architect of Duterte’s controversial drug war when he was the police chief, said that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into the infamous campaign is a “grand demolition job against us, Duterte and his allies.”
“I leave it up to the people. The people know very well what is the real score,” Dela Rosa said, when asked if the ongoing ICC probe would affect his Senate bid.
Dela Rosa also confirmed that his office has received communications from the ICC, but admitted that he is ignoring the international body.
Duterte’s endorsement
Go, Duterte’s former close aide, is banking on the former president’s endorsement for his reelection.
When asked if Duterte would run in the 2025 midterm elections, Go could not confirm this or specify which position the former president might seek. Various pre-election surveys place Duterte among the top contenders in the Senate.
“Ayan po ang tinatawag na wait and see tayo lahat until the last day of filing, until October 8,” he said.
(That’s what we call a wait-and-see approach for all of us until the last day of filing, which is October 8.)
“Desisyon na po siguro ‘yun ng pamilya nila… At ako’y naniniwala naman po na si dating pangulong Duterte, eh, dyan na ‘yung pagmamahal mo at pagsiserbisyo. Nakasanayan na ng katawan mo, hinahanap eh,” Go added.
(That’s a decision to be made by their family… And I believe that for former president Duterte, it’s all about love and service. It’s something your body gets used to and longs for.)
Meanwhile, Salvador, who was endorsed by Duterte earlier this year, said he would prioritize peace and order if elected to the Senate. He also said that he believes in Duterte’s approach in eradicating illegal drugs in the country under the latter’s watch.
Under the Rome Statute, the ICC can step aside if there is a genuine domestic investigation. Rappler has found that in the showcase 52 cases that the Philippines reinvestigated, out of around 7,000 police killings, most cases or 32 of them were closed with no further action.
Government data shows that at least 6,252 people were killed in police anti-drug operations from July 1, 2016, to May 31, 2022. This number excludes at least 27,000 victims of vigilante-style killings.
In the recent Pulse Asia Research survey conducted in September 6 to 13, Dela Rosa could place anywhere from 11th to 14th, Go from 4th to 9th, and Salvador from 29th to 37th if elections were held during the survey period.
The 2025 midterm elections are critical for the Dutertes to determine public support, especially as many allies have defected. There’s also talk that Vice President Sara Duterte may face an ouster plot or impeachment in the House of Representatives. – Rappler.com
