Dela Rosa apologizes for insulting stroke survivor Cendaña

Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa apologized on Sunday for insulting the appearance of Akbayan Party-List Representative Perci Cendaña, a stroke survivor.

Dela Rosa's initial comments were made in response to Cendaña's criticism of Vice President Sara Duterte and stemmed from what he described as 'anger' felt by Mindanaoans and Cebuano-speaking people.

Cendaña welcomed the apology but urged Dela Rosa to extend it to all stroke survivors who felt hurt by his remarks, emphasizing that such comments are unacceptable and disrespectful.

Health advocates called for accountability from Dela Rosa, stating that lawmakers should champion, not ridicule, the rights and dignity of Filipinos, particularly those with disabilities.

Former senator Leila de Lima described Dela Rosa's actions as promoting violence even in jest, which undermines the responsibilities of elected officials, while Free Legal Assistance Group Chairman Chel Diokno expressed solidarity with Cendaña.