Bato: PDP-Laban gained momentum despite Duterte's arrest, VP Sara's impeachment

SOGOD, Southern Leyte — Despite the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the looming trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, reelectionist Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said the campaign of PDP-Laban candidates is gaining traction.

“Actually, campaign-wise ay medyo gumanda. Kasi marami na rin mga LGUs na lumakas ang loob dahil sa ginawa na pang-aapi kay President Duterte,” Dela Rosa said in an ambush interview, referring to increased local support for Duterte-allied bets.

The senator, who landed in the Magic 12 based on an April survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), remains optimistic that more of his party mates will make it.

“Panawagan ko sa taong bayan na tuloy lang nila yung kanilang support. Dahil alam natin na we still have time na makapasok. Ang trend ng ating group is going up... very significant yung pag-angat ng ating mga kasamahan.”

He cited improving numbers for those currently at the 13th to 15th spots, saying a 10–15 percent bump in preference could push them into the winning circle.

Mixed endorsements, unified support

When asked about apparent endorsement splits between ex-Pres. Duterte and VP Sara —who backed different senatorial candidates—Dela Rosa said it’s ultimately up to the people.

“Bahala na kayo. Basta okay yan silang apat,” he said, referring to Imee Marcos, Camille Villar, Gringo Honasan, and Ariel Querubin. 

"Dalawa kung dalawa lang kulang ninyo, bahala na kayo mag-design.”

OFW voting concerns raised

Dela Rosa also addressed the fears of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who are hesitant to vote online due to mistrust in the system.

“Sagrado ang boto natin. Walang ibang pwedeng kumuha niyan kundi tayo lang... Hindi tayo pwedeng ma-cheat,” he stressed, calling on OFWs to report anomalies.

On whether he plans to visit former President Duterte in the Netherlands, where the ICC case looms, Dela Rosa said:  “Titingnan ko muna yung viability niya… I hope I can visit him. Tingin ko lang, kung after elections makakuha ko singin visa at may chance na makita siya, I hope I can visit him."

Despite the mounting pressure, Dela Rosa remains unfazed.

"You can throw at me the hardest possible things in life and I can survive," he said. 

Meanwhile, senatorial bet Dr. Richard Mata defended his stance on fake news and freedom of speech during his address at the rally here.

“Alam niyo ba? Nasali ako sa Tricom. Tinawag din ako ng House. Kasi daw may fake news, fake news,” he said, responding to accusations against him.

He denied spreading disinformation, pointing to his strong social media following. 

“’Yung mga nagfa-fake news d’yan, ’yung mga walang mukha, nagtatago. Hindi kami ganon. Ang Philippine Laban ay para sa vloggers. May freedom of speech tayo.”

Mata expressed his goal to share his medical expertise to help fight dengue in the country. He also prepared a quick dance performance for the crowd. 

"Visayas pride" lawyer Jayvee Hinlo, meanwhile, emphasized job creation over political dole-outs in his speech. 

Hinlo laid out a plan centered on industrialization, local production, and government-managed agriculture.

“Dapat ang Pilipinas ay gumagawa ng sariling armas, makinarya, gamot, at vaccine... para dito ang trabaho.”

He also called for amendments to the Procurement Law to prioritize local products, even if they cost more, to support Filipino industries.

On agriculture, Hinlo proposed state-managed farming and fishing operations to maximize idle lands and reduce rice importation.

Accept aid

Atty. Vic Rodriguez reminded voters not to feel indebted to politicians handing out aid during the campaign period and on election day.

“Nakikiusap po ako… pag may mamimigay sa inyo ng AICS o anuman, pakiusap po tanggapin ninyo. Subalit uulitin ko, huwag kayong tatanaw ng utang na loob,” Rodriguez said during his speech. 

He emphasized that such assistance comes from public funds.

“Yan ay pera ninyo at pera nating mga Pilipino. Huwag kayong magpapabudol muli,” he warned, as he drew applause from the crowd.

Of the 10 senatorial candidates of the PDP-Laban, only four were able to attend the grand rally in the region. Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, meanwhile, was represented by Atty. Israelito Torreon. 

Padilla seeks Duterte's return

To show his support, Senator Robinhood Padilla also attended the event and even serenaded the crowd with the song "Wonderful Tonight." 

In his speech, Padilla emphasized that the country has been facing a lot of crises but said that electing candidates from the Duterte camp can help solve these woes.

"May kalungkutan, malaking kalungkutan. Pero lahat po yan, mga mahal kong kababayan, Hindi po nating lahat pwedeng sabihin na ang solusyon natin ngayon, kaya ganito ang galing natin, palitan natin ng gobyerno, makagulo tayo, sama-sama tayo. Mga kababayan, ang solusyon po niya sa ngayon ay iboto po ninyo ang Duterte-camp," he said.

The senator also condemned the unjust treatment of the aging leader.

"Eighty years old, yan na ba ang kultura nating Pilipino? Nakangkap-tanggap ba yon sa atin ng isang matanda?" he asked the crowd, calling out what he saw as a disrespectful act against the elderly.

He also stressed that the issue was no longer about political figures or alliances but about the nation’s dignity and sovereignty.  

"Ito po ay hindi na usapin ng Duterte ka o Marcos ka o sino kamang. Usapin na po ito ng ating kalayaan at kasarilan.”

Padilla firmly opposed the idea of a Filipino being tried and imprisoned abroad.  

"Hindi po pwede na isang Pilipino ay dinadala sa ibang bansa at dun dadaan sa panghuhusga at dun ikukulong,” he declared, closing his speech with a call to bring Duterte back to the Philippines. 

The former leader was arrested in the Philippines by local authorities last March 11 based on a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC. —LDF, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.