ELECTION PROFILE
Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa #22
Senator, 19th Congress(as of Feb. 5, 2025)
Age and date of birth: 63 (Jan. 21, 1962)
Party: Partido Demokratiko Pilipino
Highest Educational Attainment: Ph.D. in Development Administration, University of Southeastern Philippines, Davao City
Highest Government Position Held: Senator
Summary:
Fighting the illegal drug trade and modernizing the country’s national defense are Dela Rosa’s continued priorities for his second run. He intends to refile his bills reimposing mandatory Reserve Corps training and prescribing the death penalty for “high-level drug trafficking.”Stance on Key Issues
On Poverty, Controlling Inflation and Jobs
- Admitted he was not knowledgeable on economic matters such as inflation when he filed for his first Senate run in 2018.
- Co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2534 aiming to increase the daily minimum wage by P100.
On Fighting Graft and Corruption
- One of 17 senators who voted to tax and legalize Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs); walked back on his support by co-sponsoring the Anti-POGO Act of 2024.
- Vocal critic of the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program, alleging that it may become a vessel for corruption among legislators.
On West Philippine Sea
- Seeks to increase funding and support for the country’s armed forces in order to beef up defenses in the West Philippine Sea.
- Will refile the bill reimposing mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps in schools to mobilize the citizenry against China’s aggression.
- Co-sponsored the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, citing it as a measure to assert the country’s claim over the West Philippine Sea.
On The Drug War
- Says he “does not regret anything” and is “thankful” for the outcome of the drug war because it bolstered him to the Senate.
- Insists that the International Criminal Court does not have jurisdiction in the country and will seek “judicial relief” should the court enter the country.
On Disaster-Preparedness
- Proposed additional funding for national defense and reinstating mandatory Reserve Corps training as essential to disaster response, saying these groups take charge in relief operations.
- Co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2780 recognizing the Loss and Damage Fund Board, which provides financial aid to persons affected by extreme weather events in countries most impacted by climate change.
Government Experience/Field of Expertise
- Senator (2019 – present)
- Director General, Bureau of Corrections (2018)
- Chief, Philippine National Police (2016–2018)
- Executive Officer, Philippine National Police Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (2015–2016)
- Deputy Director for Administration, Philippine National Police Intelligence Group (2014–2016)
- Deputy Director for Operations, Philippine National Police Intelligence Group (2014)
- Chief of Staff, Philippine National Police Intelligence Group (2013–2014)
- City Director, Philippine National Police PRO11 Davao City Police Office (2012–2013)
- Chief, Philippine National Police PRO11 Regional Logistics and Research Development Division (2011–2012)
- Provincial Director, Philippine National Police PRO11 Davao del Sur (2009–2011)
- Provincial Director, Philippine National Police PRO11 Compostela Valley (2007–2009)
- Chief, Philippine National Police PRO11 Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division (2005–2007)
- Chief, Unit Training Program Division, Philippine National Police Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (2003–2005)
- Chief, Davao Satellite Office, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (1998–2001)
- Battalion Commander, Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Group (1997–1999)
- Commander, Bunawan Police Station (1996–1997)
- Chief of Intelligence Division, Davao City Police Office (1996–1997)
- Commander, Mobile Group Commander, Davao City Police Office (1996–1997)
- Station Commander, Sasa Police Station (1992–1996)
- Chief of Police, Bansalan Municipal Police Station (1990–1991)
- Ex-O 413th Surigao del Sur PC Coy (1988–1989)
- Commanding Officer, Philippine Constabulary Regional Special Action Force (1986–1988)
Issues and Controversies
- Devised “Oplan Tokhang” from his Davao City police chief days, referring to the house-to-house operations that saw thousands of illegal drug suspects dead under Rodrigo Duterte’s stints as mayor and president.
- Under investigation by the International Criminal Court for his role in the killing of drug suspects under Duterte’s war on drugs.
- Has been defending Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misspending of confidential funds and slammed the proponents of her impeachment, accusing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez of conniving against her.
Family Members in Government
None
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