MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:12 p.m.) — Less than an hour before the deadline for filing candidacy, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has surfaced as the standard-bearer of the administration-led faction of the PDP-Laban party.
The faction of PDP-Laban backed by President Rodrigo Duterte has struggled to find a replacement for Sen. Bong Go, who declined its nomination for president and chose to run as vice president under the party instead.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio was also expected to seek the presidency after topping preferential surveys but filed her candidacy for reelection instead under Hugpong ng Pagbabago, the party she founded.
Although he is PDP-Laban's presidential candidate, Dela Rosa filed his candidacy at the Sofitel tent in Pasay City wearing an HNP shirt.
Asked if the Davao mayor would take his place and enter the presidential race last minute as her father did in 2015, Dela Rosa said: "Hindi (No), I don't know how we will do it if ganun (that way)."
He said he was running to continue the administration's fight against illegal drugs, corruption and terrorism.
Dela Rosa, a former police chief, is known for his bloody implementation of the Duterte administration's flagship campaign against illegal drugs.
He was police chief of Davao City from 2012-2013 under Duterte-Carpio (2010-2013) and Duterte (2013-2016).
Dela Rosa was appointed top cop by President Duterte in 2016 and served until 2019.
He sought election to the Senate in 2019 and won along with other close allies of the president.
As a lawmaker, Dela Rosa co-authored the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, a widely opposed measure that petitioners before the Supreme Court say has potential for abuse and could be used to silence legitimate dissent and criticism.