Manila, Philippines – Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa had a serious message for everyone who’s about to vote in the 2025 elections. During a big event called a miting de avance held by his political group, PDP-Laban, he warned that the Philippines could be in big trouble if the wrong people get elected.
“All you need to do is vote for our team,” he told the crowd at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
Bato said voters should not be tricked by politicians who just give out money or promises to get your vote. He said, “When you vote on Monday, think about the future—not just today. Think about what kind of country the next generation will grow up in.”
He talked about the problems the Philippines is facing, like drugs, crime, and corruption (which means stealing or cheating in government). He said we must choose leaders who will fight against these problems, not be part of them.
🏛 A Free and Fair Senate
Bato also said that the Senate—the group of leaders who help make laws—should be free and independent. He doesn’t want it to be controlled by anyone powerful, like the President (who lives in Malacañang Palace) or other branches of the government.
“The Senate shouldn’t be pushed around or controlled by anyone. It should be strong and fair,” he said.
He wants the Senate to follow a rule called checks and balances. That means no one in the government should have too much power. If someone is doing something wrong, others should be able to stop them.
🙋♂️ “I’m Not Campaigning for Myself”
Bato said this election is not about him trying to win again for himself.
“I’m not doing this for me. I’m doing this for the country,” he said. “If we let greedy politicians win—those who only care about money—then goodbye Philippines!”
He told voters that the answer is to choose the people he is supporting, his PDP-Laban teammates, who were standing behind him on stage.
💥 “What Happened to the Uniteam?”
Another person running for senator, Jayvee Hinlo, also gave a strong speech. He talked about how President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was once part of the Uniteam with former President Rodrigo Duterte and their group.
“We all started as a team,” Hinlo said. “So why is the country divided now? What happened to our unity?”
Hinlo was upset because he said President Marcos made decisions that went against their group. He pointed out that Marcos removed the PACC (a group that checks on corrupt officials), and allowed Duterte to be arrested and taken to The Hague in the Netherlands, where he’s facing charges for crimes against humanity.
“Why did you do that, President Marcos? Why take away Tatay Digong (Duterte) from the Filipino people?” Hinlo asked.
🗳 Who’s Running Under PDP-Laban?
There are 10 people running for senator under PDP-Laban, the party led by Duterte. Some are already in government, and others come from different careers. Here’s who they are:
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Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa
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Senator Bong Go
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Congressman Rodante Marcoleta
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Lawyer Jayvee Hinlo
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Lawyer Jimmy Bondoc
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Lawyer Raul Lambino
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Lawyer Vic Rodriguez
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Doctor Richard Mata
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Actor Philip Salvador
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Pastor Apollo Quiboloy (who is currently in jail)
All of them say they want Duterte to come back from The Hague and promise to stop any plan to remove Vice President Sara Duterte from her position.
