MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is facing backlash from health and medical advocates after he made a mockery of the facial appearance of Akbayan Representative Percival Cendaña, a stroke survivor, in a social media comment on Saturday.
In a comment under an Inquirer.net post, Dela Rosa said in Bisaya, “Your face looks as though it has been punched, that’s why it’s skewed. Come here so I can punch the other side of your face and make it balanced.” His remarks, which were directed at Cendaña’s comments on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, quickly drew condemnation.
A joint statement, signed by 31 physicians and advocates, condemned Dela Rosa’s behavior as “cruel” and disrespectful. The signatories, many of whom are part of Epilepsy Awareness Philippines, stated, “Senator Bato Dela Rosa’s attack on Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña is not just cruel—it is an insult to the dignity of persons with health conditions.”
They also pointed out that Dela Rosa failed to research Cendaña’s background and was unaware that the representative was a stroke survivor. “His appalling remarks reinforce harmful stereotypes and deepen the discrimination that people with various health concerns endure every day,” the statement read. “Dela Rosa’s actions undermine the progress toward inclusivity, respect, and equal rights.”
The controversy erupted after Cendaña reacted to Vice President Duterte’s remarks on her impeachment. On February 5, Duterte had made light of the House’s impeachment proceedings, comparing them to the emotional pain of a breakup. In response, Cendaña, who filed one of four impeachment complaints against Duterte, issued a statement emphasizing the importance of public accountability, not personal relationships.
Dela Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police under President Rodrigo Duterte, responded with his mocking comment under the post. Dela Rosa remains one of the most loyal Duterte allies in Congress.
As of Saturday, Cendaña had the last word in the exchange, commenting wryly on Dela Rosa’s behavior. “I hope you’re just as brave against China and in facing the ICC (International Criminal Court),” Cendaña said, referencing Dela Rosa’s perceived silence on China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea and his involvement in Duterte’s controversial war on drugs, which is under investigation by the ICC.
The incident has sparked further discussions about the treatment of individuals with health conditions and the need for more respectful discourse among public figures.
