MANILA , Philippines— Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Tuesday admitted having felt guilty for recommending resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde as his replacement as head of the PNP.
Dela Rosa, former PNP chief, suspects that President Rodrigo Duterte was quietly cursing him for endorsing Albayalde, who resigned in October after being linked to the so-called “ninja cops.”
“Hindi ako sinisi nya harap-harapan pero alam ko nasa isip na nya yun: ‘Tangina ito si Bato, si Bato nag recommend nito…,” he said in an interview with Senate reporters.
(He does not blame me face to face but I know in his mind: You, son of a bitch, Bato. It’s Bato, who made this recommendation.)
“Parang ganun siguro ang niisip nya. Alam ko naman yun si Presidente mag-isip kaya medyo nagi-guilty ako although hindi nya ako kinompronta personally,” said the senator.
(Maybe he’s thinking like that. I know how the President thinks that’s why I feel a bit guilty although he has not confronted me personally)
While he is still affected by the turn of events, Dela Rosa reiterated that he does not regret endorsing Albayalde to replace him.
“I must tell you with all honesty wala ako regrets sa pagpili kay Albayalde na mag replace sa akin dahil ( I have no regrets picking Albayalde to replace me because) he did his best. He was just haunted by his past kaya nangyari yun,” he said.
Albayalde was Pampanga police chief when 13 policemen under his watch were accused of recycling seized illegal drugs following a buy-bust operation in 2013.
Dela Rosa opened up on his feelings when asked about the integrity of the three contenders for the top PNP post vacated by Albayalde.
The three are Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, and Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa.
Unlike before, the senator opted to keep close to his heart his personal choice to be the next PNP chief.
“Mahirap na baka mamaya ito ngayon mag endorso ako, tapos tanggapin nya, ako naman ang sisihin pag pumpalpak kaya ayoko, ayoko na,” he said.