Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a shocking display of arrogance and insensitivity, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has once again found himself at the center of controversy—this time for making offensive and derogatory remarks toward Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña, a known stroke survivor. The incident has ignited a wave of public outrage, with advocates, netizens, and organizations calling for his immediate apology and accountability.
The Incident That Sparked a Firestorm
During a discussion on the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Dela Rosa threatened to slap Representative Cendaña. But it didn’t stop there—his comments allegedly mocked Cendaña’s physical condition, a result of a previous stroke. Instead of engaging in a meaningful debate, Dela Rosa resorted to an aggressive and highly inappropriate outburst that targeted not just Cendaña but also the entire community of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
This blatant display of disrespect did not go unnoticed. Almost immediately, the public erupted in condemnation, with many questioning how a senator of the Republic could behave in such an unprofessional and disgraceful manner.
An Outpouring of Condemnation
Calls for an apology and accountability have since dominated social media, with health advocates, disability rights organizations, and ordinary citizens denouncing Bato’s behavior. Akbayan Party has formally demanded an “immediate and unequivocal public apology” from Dela Rosa, not only to Representative Cendaña but also to the broader disability community.
"The words and actions of Senator Bato are not just offensive; they reinforce harmful discrimination against individuals with disabilities," Akbayan stated in a public statement.
Medical and disability rights advocates also joined the call, emphasizing that mocking a person’s medical condition is unacceptable in any setting, let alone within the Senate. Critics insist that Dela Rosa must not only apologize but also be reprimanded by the Senate’s Ethics Committee.
Public Outrage: "Not Fit for Public Office"
Social media platforms have been flooded with criticisms, with many users expressing their disgust over Dela Rosa’s words and actions.
“Disgusting boorish behavior. A disgrace to both the Senate and the Philippine military.”
“Tapos na ang political career ni Bato. He should never have been elected in the first place.”
“Bato’s remarks are proof that incompetence and arrogance can lead to utterly useless senators.”
“The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) should reprimand him. This is not the conduct of a true officer.”
Many netizens have vowed not to vote for Bato in any future elections, calling him “unbecoming of a senator” and a “bad example to the younger generation.” Some even pointed out his previous interview with journalist Karen Davila, where he was widely criticized for his incoherent and defensive responses.
A Pattern of Arrogance and Disrespect
This is not the first time Senator Dela Rosa has been called out for his problematic statements and actions. His tenure in the Senate has been marked by moments of questionable leadership, with many Filipinos questioning what he has actually contributed in terms of meaningful legislation.
Instead of focusing on policies that would benefit the Filipino people, he has been embroiled in controversies—often using his position to attack critics rather than engaging in productive discourse. His latest outburst only adds to the growing list of reasons why many believe he should not have been elected in the first place.
The Bigger Issue: Leadership Built on Respect, Not Bullying
At its core, this incident highlights a much larger issue: the kind of leadership we allow to thrive in the Philippines. Public officials are supposed to be role models, embodying respect, professionalism, and integrity. Instead, what we are seeing is a pattern of unchecked arrogance and a blatant disregard for basic human decency.
Leadership should be built on integrity and respect, not insults and threats. A senator, particularly one with a military background, should hold himself to a higher standard of conduct. But Dela Rosa’s behavior raises an important question—if this is how he conducts himself in public, how much worse is it behind closed doors?
Will the Senate Take Action?
The responsibility now falls on Senate President Miguel Zubiri and the Senate leadership. Will they simply let this pass, or will they take action and set an example that such behavior will not be tolerated?
The call for a public apology is not just about Perci Cendaña—it is about holding elected officials accountable for their words and actions. A reprimand from the Senate Ethics Committee would send a strong message that disrespect and discrimination have no place in public service.
Conclusion: The People Will Remember
Senator Bato Dela Rosa may believe he is untouchable, but the Filipino people have long memories. With every misstep, he erodes what little credibility he has left. His arrogance and lack of decency are now on full display, and the backlash is proof that Filipinos are no longer willing to tolerate his antics.
As the 2025 elections draw near, one thing is clear: the public will remember who stood for respect and dignity—and who did not. And for Senator Bato, the road to reelection just became significantly harder.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
