Rody shares Bato’s exasperation over PNP, gov’t

DAVAO CITY – President Duterte perfectly understands why Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa broke down during the hearing at the Senate where suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa implicated several police officials in drug trafficking.

Duterte yesterday said he shares Dela Rosa’s exasperation at how things are going in government service.

The President even joked that Dela Rosa was a good actor who could be elected as senator or congressman.

“But he could not be president because he cries,” Duterte told reporters.

The President was told that Dela Rosa shed tears during the Senate hearing upon his arrival at the Davao International Airport Wednesday night from Auckland, New Zealand.

The President attended the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ summit held in Lima, Peru and had an overnight stay in Auckland before coming home.

“It was just an expression of a human being with a burden on his shoulders, the peace and the law and order of this country,” Duterte said.

Dela Rosa broke down at the Senate hearing and said there are times when he did not know who to trust in the PNP, particularly in the effort to reform the institution.

Despite such a predicament, he vowed not to leave the President in his war against illegal drugs.

The President explained that he understands the burden that Dela Rosa as PNP chief is carrying as he also feels it himself as President of the country. “Ako pa tuloy yung magalit kung wala kang gawin (I will get angry if you don’t do anything). Many times in front of the military and the Cabinet members, I have expressed exasperation and it is no secret that I told them kung ito lang naman kagulo (if this is the only trouble). But the problem is first, I have to do my duty,” he said. “Naintindihan ko si Bato pati lahat kami may mabibigat (I understand Bato even as all of us have burdens), the generals, the guys who lose their troops, you know. Naintindihan ko, sabi ko nga, ako (I said I understand, and for me)? I will gladly step down,” he added.

The President assured Dela Rosa that he has nothing to worry about.

“You know Bato has nothing to worry. As I have said to the military and the police, in obedience to that order against crime and drugs, if I find out that you are not at fault at first instance, I will give you the guarantee that you will be protected,” he said.