Don’t take God’s name in vain, Bato told

Liza MazaI—NQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

Senatorial candidate Liza Maza of the Makabayan coalition lashed at reelectionist Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa for saying that he was entrusted by God to combat drugs in the country and suggested that Dela Rosa’s “real mission” is to account before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the acknowledged killing of more than 6,000 Filipinos when he was Philippine National Police chief. “Are you sure that is your mission from the Lord?” Maza said on Saturday. “Don’t blame the Lord for being a [traditional politician]. The fifth commandment is clear: ‘Thou shall not kill.’” She added: “I’m sure the Lord doesn’t approve of the “tokhang” (katok-hangyo, or knock and persuade) you did among the poor, and your alliance with the corrupt, traitors and liars. Your decision to run again [for senator] isn’t a mission—it’s exasperation. Your real mission is to answer your ICC cases.” Maza was reacting to Dela Rosa’s statement during a campaign rally in Pasig City: “I realized that the Lord has a mission for me in this world. And that mission, I’m sure, he wants to continue our fight. It’s not my personal fight, it’s our collective fight—against drugs, and corruption.” —KATHLEEN DE VILLA