Bato’s ‘Divine Mission’ or ICC’s Next Target? Liza Maza Slams Dela Rosa’s Senate Comeback!

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In a recent political exchange, senatorial candidate Liza Maza criticized Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's assertion that his renewed bid for the Senate is a divine mission to continue the fight against illegal drugs. Maza, a former representative of the Gabriela Party-list, contended that dela Rosa's candidacy is more of a "konsumisyon" (nuisance) than a mission, emphasizing that his true obligation is to answer for his alleged involvement in the controversial war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dela Rosa, who served as the chief of the Philippine National Police during the height of Duterte's anti-drug campaign, is currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for possible crimes against humanity. Despite the Philippines' withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the court maintains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member. Dela Rosa has consistently dismissed the ICC's authority, stating that there is no need for its intervention given the local convictions of police officers involved in the drug war. 

In a Senate inquiry held in October 2024, former President Duterte admitted to the existence of a "death squad" during his tenure as mayor of Davao City, aimed at controlling crime. This revelation has intensified calls for accountability, with human rights groups documenting approximately 1,400 suspicious killings in Davao during Duterte's 22-year mayoral period. Critics argue that his presidential war on drugs mirrored these methods, resulting in the deaths of more than 6,200 people. 

The current administration has signaled a shift in its stance towards the ICC investigation. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla indicated openness to discussions and potential cooperation with the ICC, marking a significant departure from the previous administration's refusal to acknowledge the court's jurisdiction. Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin further stated that the Philippines would "respond favorably" to any Interpol requests related to the ICC's investigation into the drug war. 

As the 2025 senatorial elections approach, the discourse surrounding accountability for the war on drugs continues to be a polarizing issue. Maza's remarks underscore the growing demand for transparency and justice, while dela Rosa remains steadfast in his defense, framing his candidacy as a continuation of his mission against illegal drugs. The evolving political landscape suggests that the electorate's response to these developments will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation's approach to law enforcement and human rights.

Duterte Sparks Outrage: ‘Kill the Senators’ Remark Shocks the Nation!

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In a recent political rally, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made a controversial remark suggesting the elimination of current senators to create vacancies for his preferred candidates. Speaking at the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) senatorial proclamation event on February 13, 2025, Duterte jested, "Now, there’s many of them. What should we do? Let’s kill the senators now to create vacancies," eliciting laughter from the audience. 

This statement has drawn sharp criticism from various lawmakers and public figures. Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed alarm, stating that such remarks should not be taken lightly and could have serious consequences. 

 Similarly, former Senator Kiko Pangilinan and Senator Hontiveros reacted with concern to Duterte's comments, emphasizing the potential dangers of normalizing violent rhetoric in political discourse. 

Despite the backlash, some of Duterte's allies have downplayed the incident, suggesting that the remarks were made in jest and should not be overanalyzed. This defense, however, has not mitigated the concerns of those who fear that such statements could incite real-world violence or undermine democratic institutions.

This controversy arises amidst significant political turmoil in the Philippines. Just last week, the House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, the former president's daughter, on charges including misuse of public funds and alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials. 

 The impeachment has deepened political divisions and raised questions about the Duterte family's influence in the nation's politics.

The former president's recent comments also bring to mind his previous admissions regarding the use of a "death squad" during his tenure as mayor of Davao City. In a Senate inquiry three months ago, Duterte confirmed the existence of such a squad aimed at controlling crime, a revelation that has been met with both domestic and international condemnation. 

As the nation approaches the upcoming elections, these events underscore the volatile nature of Philippine politics. The interplay of controversial rhetoric, legal proceedings against high-ranking officials, and the enduring influence of political dynasties continues to shape the country's democratic landscape.

Out with the Old, In with the Bold: The 2025 Senate Race That Could Change the Philippines Forever!

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Over the years, the Philippine Senate has been dominated by multi-term senators, many of whom have faced criticism for their limited contributions to national progress. As the 2025 midterm elections approach, there's a growing clamor for fresh faces and perspectives in the Senate, aiming to invigorate the legislative process and address longstanding issues more effectively.

A Call for New Leadership

The sentiment for change is palpable. Many Filipinos are expressing frustration with the status quo, where seasoned politicians often recycle familiar platforms without delivering substantial results. This dissatisfaction has paved the way for emerging leaders who bring innovative solutions and a renewed commitment to public service.

Emerging Coalitions and Fresh Faces

Several political coalitions have recognized this demand for new leadership and are fielding candidates who embody the change voters seek:

KiBam Coalition: Spearheaded by former senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan, this alliance emphasizes transparency, human rights, and grassroots empowerment. Their campaign, dubbed "Mga Kaibigan" (Friends), aims to reconnect the Senate with the populace's real concerns. 

Oposisyon ng Bayan (Makabayan): This coalition is introducing a slate of candidates from marginalized sectors, ensuring diverse representation. Notably, term-limited Representative France Castro is among those on a Senate bid, responding to calls from educators and activists for genuine representation. 

Challenges from Established Political Dynasties

Despite the push for new leadership, traditional political families continue to assert their influence:

Marcos-Duterte Rivalry: The once-allied Marcos and Duterte families are now on divergent paths. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seeks to consolidate power, while the Duterte faction aims to reassert its influence, leading to a potential political showdown in the upcoming elections. 

The Role of Media Platforms

In this dynamic political landscape, platforms like Wazzup Pilipinas are pivotal. By providing a stage for lesser-known candidates, they amplify voices that might otherwise be overshadowed by established figures. This commitment to balanced coverage ensures that voters are well-informed about all their options, fostering a more inclusive democratic process.

Conclusion

The 2025 Philippine Senate elections stand at a crossroads between tradition and transformation. While established political dynasties strive to maintain their influence, there's an undeniable surge of new leaders ready to challenge the old guard. For meaningful change to materialize, it's imperative for voters to critically assess candidates, prioritize fresh perspectives, and support those genuinely committed to the nation's progress.