MANILA – Senator Rolando “Bato” dela Rosa challenged claims that he is pro-China, asserting that he is willing to wage war in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a recent interview, Dela Rosa denied being pro-China, stressing that “Ako, willing ako magpakamatay diyan sa WPS.”

“Sabihin nila pro-China ako, willing akong makipag-giyera diyan sa WPS,” he added, challenging his critics by saying he would give them guns and ammunition so they could attack the bullies in the WPS.

Dela Rosa was reacting to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s statement that his administration’s senatorial slate does not include candidates who are pro-China or supportive of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

He also reiterated his long-standing opposition to communism.

“Maghuramentado ako kapag sabihin niyong pro-China ako dahil buong buhay ko lumalaban ako sa komunista. China ay komunista ‘yan,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with One News’ Storycon last Tuesday.

“Buong buhay ako nakipag-giyera sa mga New People’s Army, kaya di ninyo masabi na pro-China ako,” he added.

However, Akbayan Partylist President Rafaela David criticized Dela Rosa’s stance, recalling his silence when former President Rodrigo Duterte failed to fulfill his promise of riding a jet ski to plant the Philippine flag in the WPS.

“When former President Rodrigo Duterte reneged on his promise to go jet skiing in the WPS and plant our flag to assert our sovereignty, Bato didn’t so much as squeak. Not a word of support for Filipino fishers and frontliners facing harassment in our own waters,” David said.

She also pointed out that with growing public outrage over Chinese incursions in the WPS, Dela Rosa “suddenly wants to play hero and go to war with China. What a cowardly transformation.”

David further noted that Dela Rosa remained silent when Duterte dismissed the arbitral ruling against China as just a “mere piece of paper.”

She concluded that Dela Rosa’s statement about waging war against China in the WPS was “deemed insubstantial.”

📷 Bato dela Rosa FB, Akbayan FB