MANILA, Philippines— China, not Europe, is Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s preferred destination after reports that he is now banned in the United States.
“China. Bakit (Why) Europe? China,” Dela Rosa said on Monday when told of Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s remark that Europe is more beautiful than the US.
“Ang daming lakad-lakad ko dun sa Great Wall of China, masaya ka na (I’ll be happy to have a long walk around the Great Wall of China),” the former top cop added.
The US had reportedly canceled Dela Rosa’s visa supposedly as part of its government’s intensified campaign against human violators.
Dela Rosa was the chief implementor of the government’s bloody war on drugs when he was still the head of the Philippine National Police.
Though he has yet to inquire from US authorities if indeed the reports were true, the senator admitted hearing about such rumor long before it was reported by the media.
Asked if he would appeal the reported cancellation of his US visa, Dela Rosa said: “Kung pwede. Pero kung ayaw nila e di wala naman tayong magawa.”
(If that’s possible. But if they don’t want [to reconsider the cancellation), then we can’t do anything about it)
“Do you think magmukha bang kawawa ang Republika ng Pilipinas kung ang isang senador mag apela na papasukin naman nyo ako sa Amerika ulli? Di ba kawawa? Kung kawawa ang Pilipinas, hindi ako mag apela,” he added.
(Do you think the Republic of the Philippines would look pathetic if a senator would appeal to be allowed entry again to the US? Isn’t that pathetic? If the Philippines would look pathetic, I will no longer appeal)