Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday said that he’s willing to train incoming Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in lawmaking.

According to Lacson, Dela Rosa doesn’t need to worry about looking for “seminars” because the Senate will provide all the needs of the neophyte senators like what happened to him in 2001 when he was first elected as a lawmaker.

“We will be meeting with the new members and give them some tips or lectures as was done to my batch in 2001,” Lacson said.

Lacson, however, said that Dela Rosa whom he considered as his underclass because the newest Senator from Mindanao would experience another period of plebehood.

“Bato need not worry. He will undergo another period of plebehood under my supervision since we are both in the majority bloc,” Lacson said.

Lacson graduated at the Philippine Military Academy in 1968 while Bato belongs to Class 1986, both of them became the leader of Philippine National Police (PNP).

Senate President Vicente Sotto III also confirmed that they indeed provide training for new senators.

“The Secretariat will also conduct an orientation and training on the Senate Legislative process to the staff of the senators as soon as they are hired,” Sotto said.

Senator Koko Pimentel also confirmed that Dela Rosa called him, asking for guidance.

“Yes, tumawag nga siya sa akin. Meron namang briefing for new senators. Lahat dumadaan diyan except ako,” he said.

Bato received criticisms on social media after he admitted that he’s not knowledgable in making laws, asking if it’s possible for him to learn lawmaking by looking for seminars.

“Ewan ko kung meron bang seminar diyan, o ano bang training diyan para matutunan ko yung paano gawin ‘yung batas. Ano bang trabaho namin diyan sa Senado? Kung merong ganon, I’ll take that opportunity na para matuto ako,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

However, Dela Rosa also received praise from his supporters, saying that the incoming Senator showed his honesty and weakness, which some politicians cannot show.

Despite spending hundreds of millions of pesos to promote himself on television, radio and newspaper it seems that candidate Mar Roxas might not enter the magic 12 of the senatorial elections after getting only 9,660,585 votes.

According to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), Roxas who’s part of the Liberal Party is one of the biggest spenders of the senatorial elections when it comes to advertising from February 12 to April 30, 2019.

He’s the highest among the candidates who acquired advertisement, being followed by Billionaire senatorial re-electionist Cynthia Villar and PDP-Laban bet Francis Tolentino.

The price listed by PCIJ does not include the expenses of the candidates in transportation and other campaign-related needs.

This is the third time that Roxas loses the election, first is during his attempt to reach Vice President in 2010, second is when he campaigned as the presidential candidate in 2016.

Despite losing for the third time, Roxas’ wife, journalist Korina Sanchez said that her husband doesn’t mind the election result, saying that the former DILG secretary chose to enjoy his time with his twins.

“This morning my husband Mar went into the nursery and announced so excited to me that Pepe is talking to him, and Pilar needs a diaper change. I was on my phone waiting on results. ‘Don’t bother yourself with that,’ he said. We played with the twins all morning and now ordered pizza for lunch,” Korina said

 

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This morning my husband Mar went into the nursery and announced so excited to me that Pepe is talking to him, and Pilar needs a diaper change. I was on my phone waiting on results. “Don’t bother yourself with that”, he said. We played with the twins all morning and now ordered pizza for lunch. Politics is a game. You play the game hoping for a win so you can honestly serve and correct what needs to be. Make the world a better place than when we found it. Cant do much about how other players play the game, or what other motivations there could be. Yesterday our twins Pepe and Pilar turned three months old. We can only wish they grow up in a Godly country fit for Godly human beings. Meantime, we soldier on. Until we get as close as possible to what’s best for the country, and for our children. The work continues.?

A post shared by Korina Sanchez-Roxas (@korina) on May 13, 2019 at 8:59pm PDT

Several netizens defended incoming Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa for admitting that he’s not yet knowledgable in making laws.

Yesterday, Bato told CNN Philippines that he’s willing to take “seminars” to learn how a lawmaking works which made him criticized by some social media users.

However, some netizens understand that Bato is only being “honest” like Doi Lao, who said that people who poked fun with Bato are showing their “elitist” attitude.

In a post, Doi Lao also mentioned the educational background of Dela Rosa.

Here we go again. I am not for Bato but this totally makes sense. Just saw posts again making fun of the soon to be Senator. The same people criticizing and poking fun at him are the same self-proclaimed Intellectual Elitist!

At least this Guy is honest enough to learn more. Remember, skills and knowledge can be taught, but not wisdom and attitude.

PS: He earned a Masters of Public Administration degree in 1998 and a Ph.D. in development administration in 2006 from the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City. At least…Kaw ba?

MJ Quiambao Reyes, a pro-Duterte blogger defended Bato from the criticisms of former assistant Spokesperson Abi Valte.

She pointed out that other countries which is more progressive than the Philippines got lawmakers who are not lawyers at all.

Reyes also said that Dela Rosa showed his “intelligent” side for being humble and asking to learn more.

This is what she wrote:

Dear Abi,

Don’t you know that in Singapore, Germany, China, & some other countries, many of their great legislators & gov’t officials are non-lawyers?

Don’t you also know that (now) Senator Bato Dela Rosa is a PMA graduate, has a Masters degree in Public Administration, and a Ph.D. in Development Administration?

Don’t you also get what Plato meant when he said, “An empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers”?

Intelligent people are often always full of doubts, are humble, and are always yearning to learn more. Perhaps, that’s just something difficult for you to understand.

Unlike you, I’m no lawyer and I do not consider myself “intelligent” or more knowledgeable than most people. But, I bet I can beat you in any test, any time–be that Law, Math, Science, Humanities, Communications, Business, PE, Home Economics, and GMRC! 

(Di lahat ng magaling ay mayabang! Tamo ako, paminsan minsan lang– pag nati-trigger ng mga matapobre at mapagmalaki. )

Krizette Laureta Chu, another Pro-Duterte blogger also tried to compare Dela Rosa to former President Noynoy Aquino, claiming that the former Chief Executive didn’t make any laws for 12 years and didn’t try to improve himself in lawmaking.

“Kaya pala yung amo mong si Noynoy, walang nagawang batas sa 12 years niyang pagiging Senator no? Kasi walang alam. Tapos hindi lang walang alam, never nangarap mag improve.” Chu said in her post.

“Taas ng standards teh? High achieving government and President mo teh? Nahiya naman kami sa best government ever na nanilbihan sa Amin teh?” she added.

Bato also found some defenders on Twitter.

“I see a lot of yellows bashing Bato for wanting to attend seminars on lawmaking. Remind me again: how many laws were principally authored by Noynoy Aquino?” @IAmDavidYapII said.

I see a lot of yellows bashing Bato for wanting to attend seminars on lawmaking.

Remind me again: how many laws were principally authored by Noynoy Aquino?

— Stoiconomist (@IAmDavidYapII) May 15, 2019

“Loren Legarda became a Senator from being a journalist right? Did she have prior experience? The only thing Bato did was, to be honest, that he does not know how to be a Senator yet as it is his 1st time being one and you lambast him for that?” @silently_read tweeted.

Loren Legarda became a Senator from being a journalist right? Did she have prior experience? The only thing Bato did was to be honest that he does not know how to be a Senator yet as it is his 1st time being one and you lambast him for that?

— LAV (@Silently_Read) May 14, 2019

“Congratulations Senator Bato! The first step to becoming an honest politician is to admit your weaknesses. Now you are strong!” @roberose77 remarked.

Congratulations Senator Bato! First step to become an honest politician is to admit your weaknesses. Now you are strong ❤️

— ItzMehRobyRose (@RobeRose77) May 14, 2019

Actress Agot Isidro expressed her sadness by writing a short tweet about her reaction on the results of the 2019 senatorial elections.

Isidro who’s a vocal supporter of the opposition senatorial candidates Otso Diretso said that the results of the election were favored in China.

“Klaro kung sino ang nanalo dito. China,” Isidro said on her tweet.

Klaro kung sino ang nanalo dito.

China.

— Agot Isidro (@agot_isidro) May 14, 2019

Isidro is the girlfriend of one of the senatorial candidates and known critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay.

Hilbay only got 2,699,871 votes according to the unofficial tally of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

Despite losing, Isidro thanked the supporters of her boyfriend for voting him.

“Friends have been sending me messages, calling me to say they voted for Pilo, or are on their way to vote for him. On my heart, Maraming Salamat,” she said.

Friends have been sending me messages, calling me to say they voted for Pilo, or are on their way to vote for him.

Oh my heart ❤️?

Maraming Salamat. ??

— Agot Isidro (@agot_isidro) May 13, 2019

She’s also one of the celebrities who complained about the slow update of COMELEC on the results of the election.

“Last update was around 6pm. Anong petsa na? Automated nga eh. “Transparency server” ang tawag di ba?” she said.

@COMELEC Ano na?

Last update was around 6pm. Anong petsa na? Automated nga eh.

“Transparency server” ang tawag di ba?

???

— Agot Isidro (@agot_isidro) May 13, 2019

President Duterte mocked Hilbay and Isidro’s relationship before saying that his critic is only using the actress to convince the people that he’s a straight man.

Last year, Isidro called Duterte as the President who sold the country to China because of the chief executive’s friendliness towards Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“Let this be known. Rodrigo Duterte is the president who sold our country to China.” she tweeted.

Let this be known.

Rodrigo Duterte is the president who sold our country to China. https://t.co/sB3veX2Sg2

— Agot Isidro (@agot_isidro) November 20, 2018

China and the Philippines are having a dispute over the territorial claims of the West Philippine Sea.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III wanted the government to stop acquiring the service of the voting systems company Smartmatic because of repeating failures and glitches happening every election period.

“It’s about time we stop using Smartmatic,” Sotto said in a text message after the elections under Smartmatic experienced glitches again for the fourth straight time.

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros also expressed her disappointment over the reports that hundreds of voting counting machines (VCMs) broke this election which more than what happened last presidential elections.

“This resulted in the disenfranchisement of a still undetermined number of voters and the severe inconvenience of many citizens in different parts of the country. This is our fourth automated elections. Mishaps like this, especially those that deprive our people of the right to suffrage, are unacceptable,” said Hontiveros.

Senator Koko Pimentel also wanted to hold a Senate probe on the glitches happened in this year election.

“Glitches are enough to call for a congressional investigation. Why are we still having all these glitches? Can’t Comelec anticipate them?” he told reporters in a text message.

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) blamed Smartmatic for the faulty and aging vote counting machine. Despite paying P8.1-B to buy 97,517 VCMs from the company, problems still occurred.

More than 1,000 SD cards had also experienced issues during the election period.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teddy Locsin said that he’s willing to help Filipinos who wanted to live in another country after the result of the 2019 senatorial election didn’t favor them.

In a tweet, Locsin shared Rappler CEO’s Maria Ressa’s post on how many people are talking about “migrating” as the election results are started to appear.

As a response, Locsin said that he’s willing to make the migrating process faster as part of their job.

“[Department of Labor and Employment Secretary] Bebot Bello and I will help. It’s our job. We will expedite.” Locsin said in his tweet.

Bebot Bello and I will help. It’s our job. We will expedite. https://t.co/O8q5yntXA3

— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) May 14, 2019

Followers of Locsin also shared their comments, saying that Filipinos who decided to migrate could help the Philippines to depopulate and a solution to EDSA traffic.

it would help depopulate the country.

— Joanna Lizares Co (@jolizco) May 14, 2019

This must be the solution to EDSA traffic! ?

— Edu Punay (@edupunay) May 14, 2019

We looked at the trends on Google, showing that the search results in the word “Migrating” suddenly increased.

We also looked on Twitter if some users there really wanted to migrate after they saw the results of the elections.

Nagiisip na ako pano makapag migrate tol

— M (@Ninong_m2) May 14, 2019

I feel u gurl!!! tara migrate :<

— jaaaph (@jeanellaandrea_) May 14, 2019

tara guys, migrate tayo? who's with me? ✋

— sincerely, me (@TheAndradeJ) May 13, 2019

good morning, tara migrate https://t.co/S9spJslqwX

— Anneng (@annbserrano) May 13, 2019

After seeing the senatorial race as of today:

Time to migrate boisz.

— miq (@_reyesmiquel) May 13, 2019

However, some netizens also said that migrating would not solve the problem of the country.

“If you want to migrate bc election results, you are part of the problem,” @klawklawklaw said.

If you want to migrate bc election results, you are part of the problem.

— D&G&R (@Klawklawklaw) May 13, 2019

“It’s so easy to decide to migrate to another country especially with the results of the midterm elections. BUT we should continue to fight the good fight and stay because we can only hope to effect change where we are rooted. May our love for our country never waver.” @diannalouise said.

It’s so easy to decide to migrate to another country especially with the results of the midterm elections. BUT we should continue to fight the good fight and stay, because we can only hope to effect change where we are rooted. May our love for our country never waver. ??

— Dianna Dela Guerra (@diannalouise) May 14, 2019

“STOP letting the ?? progress be DEPENDENT ON THE GOVERNMENT. And maybe do your part in the next elections by REGISTERING, VOTING and EDUCATING YOURSELF on who to vote. The Youth will rule the 2022 Elections.” @abbahootDemetri said.

And here comes the usual “mu migrate na tayo” “posts yet again…

STOP letting the ?? progress be DEPENDENT ON THE GOVERNMENT.

And maybe do your part in the next elections by REGISTERING, VOTING and EDUCATING YOURSELF on who to vote.

The Youth will rule the 2022 Elections. ✊

— Abba Demeterio (@AbbahootDemetri) May 14, 2019

Former PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa admitted that he’s still not aware to his upcoming job as the Senator of the Philippines, saying that he needs to learn more and familiarize things so he can work well as a lawmaker.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Dela Rosa who’s still joyful after his victory asked if first time senators need to do seminars first before starting working as a lawmaker.

“Ewan ko kung meron bang seminar dyan, or ano bang training dyan para matutuhan ko kung paano gawin ‘yung ng batas, kung paano gawin ‘yung trabaho sa senado. Kung merong ganon I’ll take that opportunity para matuto ako,” he told CNN Philippines Tuesday.

However, when the anchor offered Dela Rosa to take some seminars to University of the Philippines (UP) the incoming Senator said that he’s not interested in visiting the said place because of the beliefs of its students.

“‘Pag UP ‘di na ko pupunta dun, alanganin ako sa lugar na ‘yan. Anti-military ‘yang lugar na ‘yan, ayaw ko pumunta d’yan, anti-police ‘yan,” he said.

However, he believed that his political ally who’s already experienced in lawmaking like former Senate President Koko Pimentel and JV Ejercito would gladly help him to teach him the basics of being a Senator.

In another statement, Bato said that it’s better to admit that he’s not aware of the job as a Senator than pretending to be knowledgable about lawmaking.

“Pag first day ng trabaho, di ba may orientation? Kahit san tayo mag work, you need to figure out where things are. Familiarizing myself is needed so I can do a better job! Kung di pa alam, mas mabuti ng magtanong kesa mag pretend na alam.” he said.

Bato still maintains his top 5 position in the unofficial poll which secured his victory in the 2019 senatorial elections.

Incoming Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed his happiness after winning the 2019 senatorial elections.

Bato who reached the top 5 of the unofficial tally of Commission on Elections said that he couldn’t believe that he can get a position in the national government.

In an interview with GMA News, Dela Rosa said that he thought that his public service would end as a police officer, but now he got elected as a Senator of the Republic.

He also shared that he’s still not talking to the President.

“Nagpapasalamat ako na naniniwala ang taong bayan sa atin, pwede pala tayong maging Senador,” Dela Rosa said.

“Akala ko hanggang pulis lang ako, pwede pala akong maging Senador,” he added.

Dela Rosa expressed his sympathy to the defeated senatorial candidates saying that he can understand how hard to convince the people to vote for them.

“Pwede kong sabihin sa kanila na better luck next time, after three years pwede namang tumakbo ulit diba,” he said.

The former PNP Chief said that he didn’t rely on the survey numbers, saying that he realized that he might win the election after he saw the support of the people during his travels around the Philippines.

Bato vowed to in reimposing the capital punishment and he’s going to promote the peace and order to attract more investors that could produce more jobs to the people.

He also said that he would become a “supportive” senator to the administration, but it would not reach the point that he would allow himself to be dictated by the executive branch of the government.

“Ako’y tumatakbo para suportahan si Pangulong Duterte, pero malaking pagkakaiba ng isang Senador na very cooperative at very supportive sa Malacanang kumpara sa isang Senador na under the dictates of Malacanang,” he said.

“Doon po ako sa una, sa cooperative at supportive, hindi ako magpapadikta sa Malacanang,” he added.

Bato reached more than 18-M votes which secured his seat in the Senate.

Former PNP Chief and future Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa spend his time in his province while waiting for the final results of the election.

In a post, Dela Rosa thanked the people who supported him in his political journey, saying that they’re his inspiration to continue his job to serve the public.

“Pabukid muna si thanos kiddin’ aside! We have alot of work ahead of us! Gusto ko munang pasalamatan ang lahat ng sumuporta! Kahit ano maging resulta, isang taos pusong pasasalamat sa inyo pong lahat! Kayo po ang naging gasolina ko para mag pursigi at mag trabaho ng ganito. Good morning po sa inyong lahat!” Dela Rosa said in his post.

Bato also included some photos, showing the retired General while having some private time together with his family and enjoying the scene of his province, a thing that he might not do anymore daily once he started his job in Manila as a Senator.

He also visited the Bato headquarters in Davao City to spend with time with his campaign team.

As of writing, Dela Rosa already got 18,169,994 votes which maintained his position in the top 5 of the unofficial results of the election.