Dela Rosa hurt by ‘insensitive’ tag
MANILA, Philippines — Neophyte Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa admitted being hurt by criticisms after his “shit happens” remark on a child killed in a drug buy-bust in Rodriguez, Rizal.
At a forum in the Senate last week, Dela Rosa defended the cops in the July 29 anti-drug operation that resulted in the deaths of four people, including three-year-old Myka Ulpina.
Also killed in the incident were a policeman, Ulpina’s father, and his companion.
READ: Shit happens, Bato says after a child got killed in drug bust
“Sino bang may gusto…? Ikaw ba, pulis ka gusto mo may bata tamaan? Kasi ikaw may anak ka rin, hindi mo gustong may mangyari na ganun,” Dela Rosa said.
“Pero shit happens. During operation, shit happens,” he said.
His remark drew flak from various sectors, including some of his colleagues in the Senate.
READ: Senators frown on Dela Rosa’s ‘shit happens’ remark
Asked in an interview at the Senate on Monday if he was hurt by the criticisms, Dela Rosa said: “Yes, kasi parang pinapalabas nila na ako’y very insensitive towards the death ng isang bata…”
Contrary to this insinuation, the senator stressed how he loves children that two to three of his priority bills in the Senate were dedicated for them.
“Alam natin ‘yan, mga bata, sila ang future ng ating bansa so masakit sa akin kung ina-accuse ako na insensitive sa pagkamatay ng bata,” he said.
“Hindi na lang ako mag police kung wala akong pakialam sa buhay ng ibang tao, ‘di ba?” Dela Rosa added. (Editor: Julie Espinosa)
