Despite the negative connotation of the term “tokhang” during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte, senatorial reelectionist aspirant Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa will still use it in his campaign for the upcoming elections.
In an interview marking the launch of his 2025 midterm election campaign, Dela Rosa revealed that he would adopt the “tokhang style” as his campaigning approach.
“Kung pwede mag house-to-house, kung pwedeng magbahay-bahay. Sanay naman tayo sa tokhang di’ba? Binabahay-bahay, kinakatok natin di’ba? So, pwede nating gawin ‘yon,” said dela Rosa.
Dela Rosa explained that his version of the "tokhang style" campaign will involve a personal approach, knocking on doors to appeal directly to voters.
He further explained that this approach is derived from the Bisaya phrase "Tok-tok Hangyo," which means "knock and plead."
"Katukin mo ‘yung pintuan ng bahay, ‘pag open, you plead, ‘pwede niyo ba akong iboto?’ Pero kung ‘pag open ng bahay nakasimangot, ‘sorry po alis na ako'," dela Rosa stated.
However, during the implementation of the Duterte administration's campaign against illegal drugs, the term "tokhang" became associated with the deaths of drug suspects apprehended by the police.
Dela Rosa served as the first Philippine National Police Chief during the Duterte administration, where the "Oplan Tokhang" was implemented.
A large number of suspected drug users voluntarily surrendered, but many reportedly died during the implementation of anti-drug operations.
Senator Dela Rosa, along with his fellow PDP Laban candidates, will kick off their campaign with a proclamation rally tomorrow, which will be led by former President Duterte.
