There is nothing wrong with Sen. Ronald dela Rosa’s public expression of support for President Duterte amid the ABS-CBN franchise controversy, according to a Palace official.
Dela Rosa has voiced support for the President because they probably share the same ideals or principles, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters at the Palace.
“Di ba pinaliwanag niya, wala naman masama doon na kung suportahan niya si Presidente,” Panelo said.
“Alam mo ang bawat tao mayroon personal na sentimyento sa isang kasama niya o kaibigan.. pero tandaan nyo na bawat isa rin ay may kanya kanyang prinsipyo,” he said.
“Siguro kaya niya sinusuportahan eh, kasi pareho ang prinsipyo nila ni President on matters subject na pinaguusapan. Kung lumihis sa prinsipyo niya, e di siempre kokontra na rin siya,” he said.
Dela Rosa, former national police chief, earlier declared that he would vote on the ABS-CBN franchise renewal in accordance with the President’s position on the matter. He admitted that he has bias towards the President, saying he will “live and die” with him.
The former top cop made the comment after highlighting the welfare of the nation over the 11,000 ABS-CBN employees who may lose their jobs if the television network closes down.
Duterte previously threatened to block the renewal of the franchise of the Lopez-owned media giant, which expires next month.
The embattled media giant runs the risk of closure as it faces a quo warranto petition before the Supreme Court while its franchise renewal bill remained pending in the House of Representatives. (Genalyn Kabiling)