Presumptive senator former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa should not be underestimated for his lack of legislative experience since he is actually intelligent, Malacañang said yesterday.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Dela Rosa, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, should instead be commended for admitting his weak spot and showing readiness to undergo training on lawmaking.
Dela Rosa is one of the administration senatorial candidates who are poised to win in the midterm elections. He is currently ranked fifth in the senatorial race with more than 18 million votes.
“We should commend him for admitting iyong kanyang handicap pero huwag nating maliitin. Nakakalimutan ng mga kumukwestyon sa kapasidad ni Gen. Bato na PMA graduate ito. Hindi ba ang PMA graduates eh known for their intellect, iyong kagalingan nila?” Panelo said.
Panelo made clear that the job of legislation is not only intended for lawyers. “Parang pinalalabas nila dapat abogado lang ang nandiyan kasi legislation iyan…Eh huwag nating maliitin,” he said.
Panelo has reminded Dela Rosa’s detractors that some persons became good senators even without prior experience in legislation.
He mentioned the cases of actor-turned-politician Senate President Vicente Sotto III, boxer and Sen. Manny Pacquiao, former PNP chief Sen. Panfilo Lacson, and actor-turned-politician former Sen. Lito Lapid. (Genalyn Kabiling)
