Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa (Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senators declined to ratify a bicameral conference committee report that spelled out reforms to modernize the Bureau of Fire Protection after Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa presented a report that had unauthorized insertions authorizing firefighters to bear firearms.
It was the second time that the attempt to insert the provision was struck down by senators.
Dela Rosa argued that the inserted provision was different from what the Senate voted down in plenary, but did not explain where the inserted provision came from.
Noting that the unauthorized insertions were not even discussed in the bicameral conference, opposition Sen. Franklin Drilon called out Dela Rosa for caving in to congressmen without defending the wishes of the chamber to which he belongs.