Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña welcomed Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s apology on Sunday, February 9, highlighting that the real fight lies in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement, Cendaña expressed that while he accepts Dela Rosa’s apology, he also hopes that the latter would do the same to all stroke survivors who were hurt by his remarks. Earlier this week, Dela Rosa insulted Cendaña’s physical appearance, going as far as threatening to punch the lawmaker.
“I welcome Senator Bato’s apology. I hope he can also do the same to all stroke survivors who were hurt by his remarks,” the solon said in a statement. “Hindi tayo balat sibuyas, pero ibang usapan when a public servant of such high position uses his voice to threaten people with violence and discriminate people with health concerns.”
The lawmaker hoped that the incident would serve as a lesson for people to realize that a true leader does not only possess power but also compassion for others.
“Nawa’y magsilbi itong mahalaga aral, na ang tunay na lider ay hindi lamang may kapangyarihan kundi may malasakit, to keep our policital discourse rationale and humane, at ang panawagan ng pananagutan ay hindi personal na atake kanino man kundi responsiblidad ng lahat ng mamamayan,” he said.
“Oh siya, balik na tayo sa totoong sapakan–sapakan ng mga ebidensya ukol sa pang-aabuso at pandarambong ni Sara,” he futhered.
Bato’s apology
Hours before the lawmaker’s statement, Dela Rosa issued an apology after his remarks against the solon’s appearance drew flak. The senator specified that he would punch the solon, to make his face look even.
“The past few days have weighed heavily on Filipinos, especially sa aming mga Mindanaoans at ibang Cebuano speaking people. Maraming nagalit, at dahil sa nag-empathize ako sa galit nila, nakapagbitiw ako ng mga salitang hindi maganda at nakapanakit ng damdamin ng iba,” he said.
With that, the senator apologized for what he said, and for failing to see the bigger picture.
“I apologize for what I said and did, particularly in failing to see the bigger picture. My apologies to Congressman Perci Cendana for my offensive comments on his person. I wish him good health,” Dela Rosa said.
“I make no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt my words have caused,” he added.
Before dela Rosa’s apology, Cendaña clapped back at the former’s remarks.
“TABINGI ANG MUKHA’ ko dahil ang ‘BAKLANG NGIWI’ na ito ay stroke survivor. Yakap na mahigpit sa mga kapwa ko stroke survivor,” he said in a social media post.
Cendaña is among the first lawmakers who endorsed VP Duterte’s first impeachment complaint in December.
