Bato banking on people's support
C AMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- Hugpong and PDP Laban senatorial bet former PNP chief director general and Bureau of Correction head Ronald "Bato" De La Rosa expressed optimism that the people's support would bring him to the senate seat.
"We all knew that I dont have enough funds to sustain in the campaign but with the people's support, I believe I can make it to the senate" De La Rosa told reporters during his first visit to this regional police headquarters, the first since he left the government service.
Bato said he will drive his motorcycle from Mindanao to Luzon areas, with his group of riders, during campaign period and tell the peole of 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 Bato.
Bato, who was the guest of honor and speaker during the oath-taking rites of 197 police applicants, was accorded by a warm welcome by parents and families of neophyte cops who assured of their support comes May mid-term elections next year.
The former PNP chief gamely accomodated "selfie" with the new recruits and their families before and after the event.
In his speech, Bato reminded the applicants not to be attracted by material things "because it will put you on bad light in the end. Be a God fearing cop because God will bring you to the right path.
"Bago kayo mag start ng duty magdasal at humingi ng guidance na sana tama ang lahat ng magiging desisyun nyo," Bato pointed out.
The newly recruited cops will undergo six months basic police training at the Regional Training Center situated in Magalang, Pampanga.
Bato and other members of the Police Regional Offive 3 (PRO3) led by Chief Supt Amador Corpus, joined boodle fight after the oath-taking ceremony.
Mounted on his favorite motorcycle, Bato and pack of riders, motored to Pampanga provincial Capitol where he paid courtesy to Gov Lilia 'Nanay' Pineda.