Dela Rosa credits 'protest votes' for third place in senatorial race

Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa attributed his strong performance in the latest partial and unofficial senatorial race tally to what he called 'protest votes' from supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Dela Rosa, who was the chief of the Philippine National Police during Duterte's presidency, thanked those aggrieved by Duterte's detention in The Hague for their support and acknowledged that his victory came with a heavy cost - the freedom of Duterte.

Based on partial results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Dela Rosa received over 20 million votes, placing him third in the senatorial race, while Duterte ally Sen. Bong Go is leading at first place.

Dela Rosa said Filipinos used ballots to express their dismay at the administration's decision to send Duterte to The Hague and hopes that all elected senators can set aside differences with the administration towards an honest government.

He claimed that he and members of what he called the opposition have only been reacting to Malacañang's actions against them 'in order to survive' but are willing to support government programs they see as good.