Term extension ruins Bato’s family plans

PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa FILE PHOTO

Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa admitted on Friday that his term extension ruined his plans to spend more time with his family.

“I am sad, in the sense that we already had plans, my wife and my children,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

“I know the kids only have a limited time for us. They have their own plans so we really planned what we would do,” he said.

The burly Dela Rosa said he was also looking forward to more regular time in the gym after Jan. 21.

Dela Rosa was set to retire when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Jan. 21, so Friday should have been his last day at work.

But President Duterte announced last Dec. 13 that Dela Rosa’s term would be extended until March or April.

“I am also happy that the President still has confidence in me and I am happier because I can give more service,” he said.

Even then, he hopes his term would no longer be extended beyond April.

“The President can extend [the term of] chief of the PNP for a maximum of one year. He gave me three months, there are nine more months,” he said. —JEANETTE I. ANDRADE