Otso Diretso bets woo Baseco voters

Opposition senatorial candidates Romy Macalintal and Pilo Hilbay hold consultations and door-to-door campaign at Baseco Compound, Tondo, Manila. PATH ROXAS / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Otso Diretso senatorial candidates brought their campaign to the vote-rich Baseco Compound in Tondo on Wednesday.

Some 200 residents of the populous Baseco area trooped as early as 8:00 a.m. along the street of Block 9 to hear Romy Macalintal, who vows to advocate for the welfare of senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and Pilo Hilbay, former solicitor general of the country who hails from Tondo.

The senatorial aspirants also conducted brief door-to-door campaigns and consultations with the residents of the populous slum area.

Opposition senatorial candidates Romy Macalintal and Pilo Hilbay hold consultations and door-to-door campaign at Baseco Compound, Tondo, Manila. PATH ROXAS / INQUIRER.net

Hilbay urged residents to vote for candidates with proven track record and firm principles, as he recounted how they fought for the West Philippine Sea before the International Tribunal.

“‘Pag binigyan kayo ng noodles tanggapin nyo kasi marahil galing din yan (budget) sa inyo… Pero huwag ninyong iboboto,” he said.

The Bar topnotcher also vowed to oppose the planned reclamation projects that would displace Baseco’s thousands of families.

“Tutol po tayo dyan. Hindi ko nakikita na ang tutok ng reklamasyon ay ang ordinaryong mamamayan,” Hilbay said when a resident asked about what he can do about the reclamation plans.

Macalintal meanwhile courted Baseco senior citizens by promising to push for a 30 percent senior citizens’ discount, as well as higher incentives for elderly if elected to Senate.

The other opposition candidates under the Otso Diretso banner are human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, former Rep. Erin Tañada, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, Sen. Bam Aquino and former Sen. Mar Roxas.  /muf