MANILA, Philippines — Former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada on Wednesday expressed optimism that voters already have a growing awareness of the Otso Diretso senatorial slate.
“There is now a growing awareness among the people of Otso Diretso candidates,” Tañada said in an ambush interview after a campaign sortie in Antipolo, Rizal.
“The fact that we go over to the markets and go to the communities tapos sasabihin sa amin, ‘Otso Diretso ba kayo?’” he added.
Tañada pointed out that President Rodrigo Duterte attacked the opposition party because the public has become aware of them.
“I think this is the reason why the President attacked us individually the other day,” Tañada said.
He was referring to Duterte’s statement that the Otso Diretso candidates will go straight to hell.
“Sinong ipalit mo diyan sa [kanila]? ‘Yang Otso Diretso papuntang impiyerno,” the tough-talking President said in a speech.
READ: Duterte mocks opposition slate: ‘Otso Diretso’ to ‘hell’
But Tañada said if Duterte knew the address of hell, he should not drag the Philippines to it.
“Sabi ng presidente lahat pupuntang impyerno diba? Ang sagot kay Mr. President, uy Mr. President, mukhang alam mo ang address ng impyerno, ‘wag mong dalhin yung bansa natin dun,” Tañada said in jest.
When asked if Otso Diretso had a chance to beat most of the pro-administration bets, Tañada said he will let the people decide.
“At the end of the day, it is the people who will decide. Sa nakikita namin, nagigising na ang ating mamamayan at magkakaroon ng surprises sa ating mamamayan,” he said. /je