Bato on term extension: Public service first before family
Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said he is thankful for President Rodrigo Duterte’s trust and confidence. The STAR/Michael Varcas, File
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Wednesday expressed mixed feelings regarding his term extension as the head of the police force.
Dela Rosa said he is thankful for President Rodrigo Duterte’s trust and confidence yet he mentioned he had previously looked forward to his retirement plans with family.
Despite having previous plans for his retirement supposedly scheduled April 24 this year, Dela Rosa said his public service would continue as it is his priority.
“Nasira yung mga plano ko sa aking retirement dahil mayroon na akong mga plano sa aming pamilya – kung anong gagawin namin. But then again, maiintindihan ng mga anak ko iyan, ng asawa ko ‘yan,” Dela Rosa said in a recorded ambush interview.
“Unahin muna natin yung serbisyo bago ang pamilya. Ganu’n naman palagi sa serbisyo namin, palaging second priority yung pamilya, first priority is yung aming serbisyo,” he added.
During the oath-taking of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce the Philippines Inc. at Malacañang on Tuesday, Duterte said he would extend the term of Dela Rosa “for a bit longer.” He said the PNP chief enjoys his trust and confidence.
READ: Duterte to extend PNP Chief Bato dela Rosa term anew
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea reportedly said the PNP chief’s tour of duty may be extended by another three months.
For his part, Dela Rosa took the extended term as a challenge, saying he would double his efforts as the police chief. He said he would intensify the efforts on the government’s drug war.
“Well that's the essence of it, kaya nga inextend ‘yan para magtrabaho ka so you should not fail the president,” Dela Rosa said.
“Mahirap na you just enjoy the trust and confidence tapos ayaw mo magdeliver. Pangit naman yun so ngayon mas lalong paigtingin natin ‘yung war on drugs,” he added.
Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV earlier opposed Dela Rosa’s term extension saying there is a mute “diabolical plot” behind it.
Karapatan Secretary General also said Duterte’s decision to prolong Dela Rosa’s term “speaks of his (the president’s) propensity to reward officials who follow his fascist orders such as his ‘kill, kill, kill’ orders in the drug war.”
Dela Rosa reached his mandatory retirement last January 21.
RELATED: Trillanes: Something 'sinister' behind PNP chief Bato’s prolonged term
- Latest
- Trending
