MANILA — Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statements to promote the administration's senatorial slate were "uncalled for and unexpected from a President".

At the inaugural campaign rally for the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas this week, Marcos Jr. highlighted the track records of the people on the administration slate. 

Marcos Jr. takes jabs at Duterte in pitch for admin senatorial bets

He also said that none of the administration’s candidates are facing controversies and allegations of human rights violations under the bloody drug war, or had been accused of corruption and negligence while the country was in the middle of the pandemic.

In that rally, Marcos Jr. also warned that the country may go back to a bloody past if other senatorial candidates are elected.

In an interview before Partido Demokratiko Pilipino own proclamation rally on Thursday, Dela Rosa said he is willing to bloody his hands if it means helping others.

“Kung yung aking mga kamay ay may bahid na dugo, hindi ko po yan kinakahiya,” Dela Rosa said. 

(If my hands are stained with blood, I am not ashamed of that)

He said he would willingly bloody his hands to protect law-abiding citizens.

Dela Rosa to use 'tokhang' in reelection bid

'TOKHANG' CAMPAIGN

He also defended his campaign, which will employ tokhang or tok, tok hangyo, a term that means to knock and plead and that has become synonymous with the bloody drug war.

He said it was not being insensitive to the loved ones of those who died during the War on Drugs. Tokhang was widely used in that campaign.

“Kayo ang naging insensitive sa mga taga-Davao na nag-experience ang napakagandang benefits ng tokhang. Very insensitive kayo. Kayo ang naging insensitive sa [Philippine National Police] na ginawa nang husto para ma-implement ang tokhang,” Dela Rosa said.

(You are the ones being insensitive to those in Davao who experienced the benefits of tokhang. You are the ones insensitive to the PNP that implemented tokhang)

He also reacted to Marcos saying administration candidates, unlike others, do not clap for China, saying he is willing to die in the West Philippine Sea as he challenged critics to pick up guns and bullets. 

“[A]takihin natin 'yang mga nambu-bully sa West Philippine Sea (Let us attack those who are bullies in the West Philippine Sea).”

Marcos’ remarks were “uncalled for,” Dela Rosa — who served under President Rodrigo Duterte, a president known for swearing during speeches and cursing out critics and perceived political opponents —  said.

“Uncalled for, unexpected for a President. Hindi namin inaasahan na ganoon, pero sige lang. Tatanggapin namin ‘yan na this is political season [so] we expect political bashing,” he said.

(We did not expect that, but go ahead. We will accept that)

Dela Rosa sorry for mocking, saying he wants to hit Akbayan's Cendaña