‘Bato’ sees easy time in learning Senate’s ins and outs

MANILA, Philippines — Senator-elect Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Thursday said he already received assurance from experienced lawmakers that learning the system and ways of the Senate would not be as arduous.

Dela Rosa made the statement after receiving backlash over his comment on whether a training or seminar on being a senator is available.

READ: Bato ready to become senator? Ex-top cop says ‘May seminar ba dyan?’

Asked if he has scheduled a meeting with senators who have offered help in explaining the ins and outs of being a senator, Dela Rosa said he will let them take a breather first following the hectic election season.

“Wala pa [naka-schedule] kasi di ko muna sila ginugulo kasi nagpapahinga rin yan sila eh dahil kakatapos lang ng eleksyon. Saka na, madali lang naman daw sabi sa akin nila. Madali lang daw matutunan yang mga rules and procedures sa Senado, paano takbo ng batas (Not yet.  I won’t bother them now and allow them to rest, following busy election season.  Some lawmakers told me it won’t be that tough),” Dela Rosa said in an interview over radio station DZMM.

Senate plebe

Senator Panfilo Lacson earlier assured Dela Rosa that he will be receiving help “under my supervision” once he is officially sworn in as senator.

“Bato need not worry. He will undergo another period of plebehood under my supervision since we are both in the majority bloc,” Lacson told the Inquirer in a text message.

READ: Lacson: Bato del Rosa to undergo ‘plebehood’ in Senate

“Before or after kami mag-take oath sa Senado, para sa mga baguhan sa Senado, mayroon daw orientation. Magco-conduct ang mga taga-in house personnel,” Dela Rosa said.

Asked if they have received reading materials on being a senator, Dela Rosa said: “Wala pa akong natanggap pero nagre-research ako ngayon.”

Dela Rosa placed fifth in the midterm elections’ senatorial race.

He ran under the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party.

READ: Dela Rosa: ‘Senador na ako!’ 

Death penalty

Dela Rosa said that among his first agenda is the re-imposition of the death penalty and strengthening President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

“Yan talaga ang una kong…kasi nanalo ako sa eleksyon, wala naman akong ibang pinagsasabi na aking plataporma sa aking pangangampanya kundi ‘bitay, bitay, bitay’,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa, however, clarified that his proposed death penalty will only cover convicted drug traffickers. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)

READ: Bato de la Rosa says his poll victory validates Duterte’s drug war