Senatorial candidates of the opposition Otso Diretso pose for media after arriving at the Naga airport on Feb. 13, 2019, for a campaign sortie. INQUIRER.NET / PATHRICIA ANN V. ROXAS
CAMARINES SUR, Philippines – Otso Diretso senatorial bets arrived here at the Naga airport Wednesday to continue their back-to-back campaign in the bailiwick of Vice President Leni Robredo, a day after conducting door-to-door persuasions in Caloocan City.
Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, incumbent Sen. Bam Aquino, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Marawi civic leader and peace advocate Samira Gutoc, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal and former congressman Erin Tañada arrived via the airport here, while former Presidential candidate and Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas mounted Monday a separate kick off campaign in his hometown Capiz.
Diokno said the campaign in Naga was a vital step for them because Bicolanos were “traditionally progressive” voters.
“Traditionally, progressive ang vote ng mga Bicolano kaya sana naman ay makuha din namin,” Diokno told reporters upon arrival at the Naga airport.
Gutoc meanwhile sees Bicolanos as “senator-makers.”
“We’ve had one time na Chiz at sabay-sabay na sila, dalawa, tatlo ang senador natin [dito]. So we are hoping to follow and help the people,” she added.
The opposition senatorial aspirants’ motorcade will head to Barangay San Agustin, Iriga City, to have breakfast with sectoral leaders and the family of detained Sen. Leila De Lima.
The candidates will also have a brief courtesy call with Monsignor Nono Sañada at St. Anthony of Padua Parish Church before their scheduled dialogue with students at the Zeferino Arroyo High School Covered Court in Iriga City.
They will also meet Iriga officials, and visit the tomb of former DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo, the Vice President’s husband.
The Otso Diretso bets are then expected to cap the day with a parade and proclamation rally at Plaza Quezon, General Luna Street, Naga City. /cbb