By Bea Rollo
(Februay 15, 2025)- Akbayan party-list has criticized reelectionist Sen. Bato Dela Rosa for his recent remarks about being willing to fight and die to defend the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
In an ambush interview prior to PDP-Laban’s proclamation rally in San Juan last Thursday, Dela Rosa stated that he is willing to wage war and die in the West Philippine Sea to prove that he is not pro-China.
“Ako prangkahin ko kayo, willing ako magpakamatay diyan sa West Philippine Sea kung sabihin nila na pro-China ako. Willing ako makipaggiyera diyan sa West Philippine Sea,” the senator said.
Dela Rosa recently commented following Pres. Bongbong Marcos’ criticism of the opposition slate last Feb. 11, during the proclamation rally of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Among Marcos’ statements was that the senatorial candidates he endorses have no “bahid ng dugo” and are not involved in “pagbulsa ng sako-sakong pera.”
Akbayan Party president Rafaela David responded to what they deemed as Sen. Dela Rosa’s rhetoric.
David claims that Dela Rosa is inconsistent about his stance and lacks genuine commitment to protecting the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“Para kang bato sa alon—kung saan-saan napapadpad. Noon pa man, bato na ang bibig mo—matigas pero walang laman.”
“Huli na ang lahat, Senator. Wala ka mang suot na bayong sa ulo, bistado na ang karakas mo. Hindi ka kakampi ng masang Pilipino sa West Philippine Sea,” David added.
David recalled Dela Rosa’s inaction during the Duterte administration, when the senator failed to speak out against former President Duterte’s alleged dismissive comments on the 2016 arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines over China.
“Bato didn’t so much as squeak. Not a word of support for Filipino fishers and frontliners facing harassment in our own waters. But now, with public outrage at its peak, Bato suddenly wants to play hero and go to war with China? What a cowardly transformation,” David pointed out.
Moreover, David, who is also part of the Atin Ito Coalition, dismissed Dela Rosa’s recent call for critics to visit the West Philippine Sea as “belated” and out of touch with the struggles on the ground.
“Too late, Senator. Members of the Atin Ito Coalition have already gone to the West Philippine Sea—not once, but twice—despite lacking the resources and influence that your office has,” David exclaimed.
Akbayan further emphasized that the West Philippine Sea is not a political stage or a “backdrop for grandstanding” but rather a “fight for the dignity of our nation” and the livelihood of the Filipino people.
(AAD)
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