SENATOR Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa recently found himself in hot water after mocking the skewed facial appearance of Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña, a stroke survivor.
Bato taunted him, “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.”
That insult drew immediate condemnation. It was a raw bravado spoken without any sense of respect to another. Hecklers got a few laughs but Bato got more brickbats because it faltered.
A comedic insult gone bad
This incident serves as a prime example of how humor can go horribly wrong, transforming into a tool of cruelty and disrespect.
Bato’s comment targeted Cendaña’s physical appearance, a characteristic outside of Cendaña’s control due to his health condition. Bato meant to diminish and further demean his person.
Such remarks are insensitive and also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Thus, when humor crosses the line into a malicious attack, it loses its comedic value and becomes simply offensive.
Bato’s words were not just playful jab. It insulted Cendaña’s dignity. Bato’s insults reflected his poor judgment that undermined his credibility as a public servant. Instead of fostering respect and inclusivity, his words promoted division and animosity.
Bad flaks, backlash and brickbats for Bato
In a statement directly retorting Bato, the Epilepsy Awareness Philippines’ 31 physicians and advocates vehemently condemned Bato’s attack against the House lawmaker, saying it was not “just cruel” but also “an insult to the dignity of persons with health conditions.”
“His (Bato’s) appalling remarks reinforce harmful stereotypes and deepen the discrimination that people with various health concerns endure every day,” the group said.
“Advocates have long fought for a society built on inclusivity, respect, and equal rights, yet Dela Rosa’s actions undermine this progress by reducing a health condition to a mere punchline,” they further stated.
Bato shamefully came to his senses
Partly, it may be because he is a current candidate this election – and fearing the political backlash – so Bato finally relented. He publicly apologized to Cendaña, and wished him good health.
“I apologize for what I said and did, particularly in failing to see the bigger picture. My apologies to Congressman Perci Cendaña for my offensive comments on his person. I wish him good health. I make no excuses and I take full responsibility for the hurt my words have caused,” he added.
The saying “bilog ang mundo” (the world is round) carries a profound truth: fortunes can change in an instant. Those in positions of power today may find themselves in a low-key position tomorrow. It is therefore crucial to treat everyone with kindness and respect, recognizing that we are all interconnected. Bato is a proud persona that belittle others.
Bato’s stupidity vs. Cendaña’s wit
Cendaña’s witty retort to Bato’s stupidity is classic: He hit back at Bato, urging him to be just as brave instead in fighting the aggressive actions of China in the WPS, and in facing the ICC, and not just bully PWDs.
“Kung matapang ka ipakita ang tapang mo duun sa China sa WPS (West Philippine Sea) at ICC (International Criminal Court).”
For Cendaña, it’s like a verbal judo move – using Bato’s bravado against Bato himself. Cendaña appears to say, “Hey, Bato if you are really that brave, maybe you should try confronting down a Chinese coast guard monster ship instead of picking only on stroke survivors!”
Cendaña handled bullies like Bato by blending humor, intelligence, and wit. In effect he threw back to Bato what Bato threw at him, as if saying, “So, if you’re really that brave then test your mettle against the Chinese invaders to our sovereignty.” To this, Bato was silent with no answer.
So, there we have it! Handle insults with grace, humor, and a healthy dose of Cendaña-inspired wit, reminding all that true bravery lies in standing up to real challenges, not in belittling others.
In the lows, remain faithful. In the highs, remain humble
Positions and titles in life are only temporary, so a person must always remain humble. Just because you have a high position, or because you got an ego-boasting designation attached to your name does not entitle you to break the rules; demean, disrespect and belittle others; dismantle protocols; disrespect established authorities; or regard others as anything less than your equal.
Former President Erap Estrada said it right on the head. He said, “Huwag masyadong malaki ang ulo at baka hindi magkasya ito at hindi na makapasok sa elevator.”
Remember, it is not the position that makes the man, but a humble disposition does.
These biblical admonitions are timeless: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think…” (Romans 12:3). Likewise, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves”. (Philippians 2:3)
Bato, and those like him must not forget that “bilog ang mundo”. Persons looked down as mere footstools today may one day become the same persons sitting high and above their headboards.
This is a lesson for us all. Huwag maging sobrang “sira ang ulo”. One’s achievements must never go to one’s head, instead it must result to an increasingly humble disposition that what one achieves is actually given by God to become his added accountability, and not to impose his self-righteous superiority, if not brainless stupidity./PN
