Dela Rosa turns emotional during Senate’s Pamplona slay probe

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Bato dela Rosa on Wednesday choked up as he told the Philippine National Police (PNP) to start mending itself, particularly in light of its role in the recent string of political killings in Negros Oriental.

Dela Rosa got emotional during his closing statement on the third day of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs’ probe on the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

“Itong mga kapulisan, hindi lang sa inyo ngayon na andito sa harapan ko, sa lahat ng pulis sa buong pilipinas na nagmomonitor ngayon, maawa naman kayo sa PNP, magbago na kayo,” said Dela Rosa.

(These policemen, not just you who are here in front of me, to all the policemen throughout the Philippines who are monitoring now, have mercy on the PNP, change.)

He then attributed his successes to the agency, explaining that serving as a police officer was what allowed him to finish his children’s education.

“Alam niyo, dahil sa PNP napatapos ko ang pagaaral ng aking mga anak, at kayo rin napatapos niyo dahil sa PNP,  naging senador ako dahil sa PNP, kaya dapat makonsensya kayo, kayong may ginagawang masama,” said Dela Rosa.

(Because of the PNP, I was able to finish my children’s education, and you also did so because of the PNP. I became a senator because of the PNP, so you should feel guilty, you who are doing bad things.)

“Bugbog na bugbog na ‘yung ating organization, ‘yung ating institusyon, maawa naman kayo,” he added.

(Our organization is battered, our institution is battered, have mercy.)

He further reminded the PNP of what the institution stands for, imploring them to be grateful for what it has provided officers.

“Kahit na gaanong kabugbog, still, the institution remains, people come and go, officers come and commanders come and go but the PNP remains. At sana, sa pagiwan ninyo sa PNP, tingnan niyo, magpasalamat kayo. Thank you PNP,” he said.

(Even though it is battered, still, the institution remains. People come and go, officers come and commanders come and go but the PNP remains. And hopefully, when you leave the PNP, take a look, be thankful. Thank you PNP.)

Dela Rosa served as the PNP chief from July 1, 2016 to April 19, 2018 at the height of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs.

The third day of the hearing lasted for over 10 hours, with its continuation still under consideration.

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