Dela Rosa, Duterte take swipes at Marcos’s remarks during proclamation rally

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa hit back at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s comments questioning the qualifications of some candidates running in this year’s midterm elections, saying that every Filipino — regardless of background — has the right to dream big.

During the campaign kickoff of his party Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday, Marcos compared certain senatorial aspirants to people who casually bought vinegar from a store and suddenly decided to run for office.

In response, at the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign launch on Thursday, Dela Rosa embraced the analogy, suggesting that his party be dubbed "Team Suka (Vinegar)."

"A vinegar vendor should never stop dreaming," he declared, recalling his own humble beginnings. Dela Rosa, who once sold vinegar himself, highlighted his journey — earning a master’s degree, a doctorate in Philosophy, becoming chief of the Philippine National Police, and now serving as a senator.

Dela Rosa also turned the metaphor into a positive, saying vinegar is essential in Filipino cuisine, adding "Suka gives flavor to the food of the poor."

Before the event, in an ambush interview, he criticized Marcos’ remarks as "uncalled for and unexpected coming from a president."

Meanwhile, former President Rodrigo Duterte doubled down on his criticisms of Marcos during the rally in yet another attack as Duterte revived his drug addiction allegations against the president.

"There is one president who is really into drugs. Not really crazy, but drug addiction is long-term," Duterte claimed before a crowd that cheered and laughed at his remarks.

He went on to say, "He will go crazy. Maybe he could reach the age of 80, but by that time, he is no longer moving. Either he is standing in his room or sleeping."

The former president’s latest tirade comes amid intensifying political tensions as the campaign season heats up.