‘Bato’ Dela Rosa in 2019?

Rappler.com

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

‘Bato’ Dela Rosa in 2019?
Dela Rosa says he leaves to the Lord his life when asked about his plans after retirement in 2018

He isn’t set to retire as the country’s top cop until January 2018, but already, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa’s plans after retirement are the subject of speculation among friends, foes, and even members of the media.

Maaga pa masyado. Ako, pinauubaya ko na lang kay Lord ang buhay ko (It’s too early to tell. I leave my life to the Lord),” Dela Rosa said during a Manila Overseas Press Club event earlier this week.

He was asked about his plans after retiring in 2018… and his plans in 2019, an election year.

SPOT BATO. Even in China, Filipinos want selfies with the popular PNP chief. Photo from Dela Rosa's Facebook page

Dela Rosa was appointed chief of the PNP on July 1, a day after Duterte took his oath of office. The police general whom friends call “Bato” (literally, rock) was Duterte’s first – and only choice – to lead the police force in a nationwide campaign to stamp out illegal drugs.

In the months since he took on the role, Dela Rosa has turned into something of a celebrity in the Philippines and occasionally, even overseas.

According to sources privy to internal surveys, Dela Rosa has an awareness rating that hits the high 90s and an approval rating of over 84%. Duterte registers a slightly higher approval rating of 86%.

It helps that he’s not allergic to media exposure, always making it a point to grant requests for interviews if possible. For a while, when Duterte imposed a “boycott” on media, Dela Rosa was the government’s de facto talking head in the “war on drugs.”

He’s been around the country, visiting all regional police camps for command visits and to talk to police and encourage them not to waver in the campaign against illegal drugs.

'GWAPULIS.' Dela Rosa poses with finalists of 'Gwapulis' at Camp Crame. Photo from the PNP PIO

He’s also not one to shy away from more casual media appearances – from a quick visit to a popular noontime variety show to judging the 2016 Miss Earth competition.

The PNP chief’s popularity is apparent. Literally everywhere he goes – be it in public events, malls, and even the halls of the Senate – he’s greeted by a deluge of selfie requests. 

Dela Rosa did his best to make light of the questions during the forum, particularly when he was pressed about a possible run for the presidency in 2022. Defeated presidential candidates, MOPC president Tony Lopez noted, were “goners.”

Ako, ganern?” quipped Dela Rosa.

Asked about his views on politics, Dela Rosa said: “Politics is good kung gusto mong magserbisyo (if you want to serve). Politics is bad if gusto mo ay mangkuwarta, magpera (all you want is to make money).”

It’s not the first time Dela Rosa’s been teased about a possible entry to politics. In several congressional hearings, legislators make it a point to tease the PNP chief about a possible Senate run in 2019 or a presidential run in 2022.

Dela Rosa, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1986, spent most of his career in the Davao region. He was chief of the Davao City Police Office during the succeeding terms of Duterte and his daughter, current city mayor Sara Duterte.

He is set to leave the service in January 2018 when he turns 56, the mandatory age of retirement for officials in the armed forces and the PNP. – Bea Cupin/Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!