Reelectionist Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has called on voters to support the senatorial slate of former president Rodrigo Duterte, saying that voting for the so-called “DuterTEN” is a vote for the country’s future and for an independent Senate.

Speaking during PDP-Laban’s miting de avance at Liwasang Bonifacio, Dela Rosa said the public must choose leaders who will uphold the system of checks and balances in government and stand guard against abuses by other branches.

“Kung gusto ninyo na magkakaroon kayo ng Senado na hindi hawak sa leeg, hindi hawak sa ilong ng kung sino man, hindi hawak ng Malacañang, hindi hawak ng ibang branches of government, isang Senado na independente at talagang sinusunod ang doktrina ng checks and balances na magbabantay sa mga pang-aabuso ng iba’t-ibang branches of government, wala kayong ibang gawin kundi iboto itong sampung ito, DuterTEN (If you want a Senate that is not controlled by anyone — not held by the neck or nose by Malacañang or any other branch of government — a truly independent Senate that upholds the doctrine of checks and balances and watches over abuses by other branches, then you have no other choice but to vote for this 10: DuterTEN),” he said.

The senator, who is seeking reelection under PDP-Laban, warned against electing candidates who he claims are more focused on personal gain than on public service.

“Kung tayo’y magkakaroon ng mga mambabatas na ang iniisip ay puro bulsa lamang, goodbye, Philippines! Pero kung ayaw niyong mag-goodbye sa Pilipinas, ang solusyon diyan, itong nasa likuran ko, DuterTEN (If we end up with lawmakers who only think about their own pockets, goodbye, Philippines! But if you don’t want to say goodbye to the Philippines, the solution is right here behind me — DuterTEN),” said the former police chief.

Dela Rosa also highlighted the continued threat of corruption, criminality, and illegal drugs in the Philippines. He urged voters to think of the country's future when they cast their ballots on May 12.

“Sa Lunes, pagpunta ninyo sa presinto, isipin niyo palagi. Huwag niyong isipin pagboto niyo kung sino ‘yung congressman, sino ‘yung mayor na nagbigay sa inyo ng ayuda. Kalimutan niyo ‘yon! Pera ninyo ‘yon! Ang isipin ninyo sa Lunes pagboto ninyo, ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa (On Monday, when you go to the precinct, always remember this: don’t think about which congressman or mayor gave you aid. Forget that! That’s your money! What you should think about when you vote on Monday is the future of our country),” he said.

“Ang kinabukasan ng mga sumusunod na henerasyon na dapat sila ay hindi manganganib sa problema ng droga, kriminalidad at korapsyon (The future of the next generations — they should no longer have to face the problems of drugs, criminality, and corruption),” he added.

The DuterTEN slate includes Dela Rosa, Senator Bong Go, Sagip party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta, lawyers Jayvee Hinlo, Jimmy Bondoc, Raul Lambino and Vic Rodriguez, physician Richard Mata, actor Philip Salvador, and Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

Dela Rosa reaffirmed his commitment to push for a better public order, and vowed to remain a “fighter” against drugs, criminality, and corruption if given another term in the Senate. He also pledged to advocate for the poor through sustainable government programs.