House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro and former ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio strongly condemned Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s discriminatory and insensitive remarks against Akbayan Representative Percival Cendaña, a stroke survivor.
“Walang lugar ang ganyang pambabastos sa political discourse na dapat naka-focus sa issues. Senator dela Rosa’s remarks are not only cruel but reflect the kind of toxic politics that the Dutertes represent,” Castro stated.
“These discriminatory comments have no place in political tit for tat. Instead of addressing the serious allegations of corruption and abuse of power in the impeachment complaint, Dela Rosa resorts to personal attacks and mockery of a person’s medical condition,” she added.
Former Rep. Tinio emphasized that Dela Rosa’s behavior is unbecoming of a senator. “Bato should stick to the issues at hand. Masyadong below the belt ang ginawa niya at hindi asal ng isang senador. Sabagay, hindi naman din asal ng maayos na bise presidente at presidente ang pinagtatanggol niya.”
“Is this how desperate the Duterte camp has become? Masyado na bang nahihirapan si Senator dela Rosa na ipagtanggol ang mga Duterte kaya ganyan na lang kababaw ang estilo niya para ilihis ang isyu?” Tinio questioned.
Castro pointed out that such behavior from both VP Sara Duterte and Senator dela Rosa shows their lack of respect for democratic institutions and proper discourse. “Instead of addressing the serious allegations in the impeachment complaint, they resort to trivializing the process and attacking critics personally.”
“We call on Senator dela Rosa to apologize to Rep. Cendaña and to all persons with health conditions who were hurt by his discriminatory remarks. Public servants should elevate political discourse, not debase it with cruel personal attacks,” Castro concluded.#
