Senator Bato dela Rosa’s sudden epiphany to call a motu propio Senate hearing on Duterte’s war on drugs is a masterclass in self-love—or, as we say, amor propio. With Bato having served as the de-facto poster boy for the controversial drug program, why not make the investigator, the witness, and the resource person all the same person? It’s the ultimate multitasking gig: investigating his own handiwork with all the objectivity of a proud parent grading his child’s finger painting.

The setup is genius, really. Who better to explain the intricacies of the brutal drug war than the guy who ran it? No need for those messy, uncomfortable external reviews when you can just pat yourself on the back while the cameras roll. If Bato ever feels lonely in that hearing, he can always switch seats—Senator one minute, witness the next. Truly, when it comes to amor propio, Bato is in a league of his own.

It’s no surprise that the line between lawmakers and lawbreakers is as blurry as a late-night telenovela plot twist. 

Exhibit A: actor Phillip Salvador, who has heroically transitioned from bida on screen to aspiring bida in the Senate, with the ever-supportive Rodrigo Duterte playing the role of kingmaker. 

Salvador, clearly eager to embrace his newfound political fame, decided to break his first rule as a candidate—premature campaigning. After all, why wait for the official 90-day campaign period when the limelight is so tempting? It seems the rules are more like gentle suggestions for those blessed by political giants. 

The Comelec can issue all the memos they want, but Salvador’s campaign is already in full swing, reminiscent of a pre-taped drama special that airs before the scheduled season. Truly, some actors just can’t wait to perform—even when they’re off-script.