CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Former Philippine National (PNP) director general and erstwhile Bureau of Correction head Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed optimism that the people’s support would win him a senate seat as Hugpong ng Pagbabago and PDP Laban bet.
“We all know that I don’t have enough funds to sustain me in the campaign. But with the people’s support, I believe I can make it to the senate,” Dela Rosa told reporters during his visit to this regional police headquarters, the first since he left government service.
Dela Rosa said he will ride his motorcycle from Mindanao to Luzon with his group of riders during the campaign period and tell the people his platform of government which will center on security, including peace and order.
“If given chance, my priority legislative agenda would be about the peace and order, illegal drugs and other issues related to the country’s national security,” said Dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the oath-taking rites of 197 police applicants, was accorded a warm welcome by parents and families of neophyte cops who assured him of their support in mid-term elections next year.
The former PNP chief gamely accommodated the new recruits and their families with “selfie” opportunities during the event.
In his speech, Dela Rosa reminded the applicants not to be attracted by material things “because it will put you on a bad light in the end.”
“Be God fearing cops because God will bring you to the right path,’’ he added.
“Bago kayo mag start ng duty magdasal at humingi muna kayo ng guidance na sana tama ang lahat ng magiging desisyun n’yo,” he pointed out.
The newly recruited cops are slated to undergo six months basic police training at the Regional Training Center in Magalang, Pampanga.
Dela Rosa and other members of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) led by Chief Supt Amador Corpus joined a “boodle fight” after the oath-taking ceremony.
