Incoming Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa defended Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rolando Bautista after journalist Erwin Tulfo made harsh criticism against the latter.
In a Facebook post, Dela Rosa who’s also a product of the Philippine Military Academy like Bautista, made a post dedicated to his upperclassmen, saying that people should face him first before berating the DSWD Secretary.
“Kung sino man ang gustong mambastos at manakit sa napakabait at napakamaginoong upperclassman ko na ito dumaan muna kayo sa akin para matikman ninyo ang brotherhood ng PMAyers.” Dela Rosa said.
Dela Rosa is part of the PMA 1986 “Sinagtala” class while Bautista is part of “1985” Sandiwa class.
Bato is not the only PMA alumni who expressed their disappointment over Tulfo’s statement against Bautista.
On May 31, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Alumni Association released a statement condemning Tulfo’s statement, they also offered Bautista legal service if ever the retired General wanted to file charges against the journalist.
Most of Bautista’s supporter praised him for being one of the “Heroes of Marawi” leading the frontlines during the height of the Marawi Siege.
Tulfo made a statement against Bautista several days ago after the latter informed his radio show that they need to write a request to the DSWD Sec. before interviewing him.
“Sampalin kita pag nakita kitang buang ka eh, wala akong pakialam ke retired General ka, mudmurin ko yung mukha mo sa inidoro,” Tulfo told Bautista.
Coincidentally, AFP and PNP removed the security detail for Tulfo brothers, several days after Erwin made a statement against Bautista.