Diokno: If Senate were a karaoke bar, I’ll concede to Freddie Aguilar

FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS Human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno (foreground in this composite photo) tells the Inquirer that his father, the late Sen. Jose “Pepe” Diokno, has been his lifelong inspiration in making his own contribution as a champion for justice as he runs for the Senate. INQUIRER file photo / EDWIN BACASMAS / DIOKNO FOUNDATION

MANILA, Philippines — Human-rights lawyer and Otso Diretso opposition candidate Chel Diokno is ready to concede to veteran singer-songwriter Freddie Aguilar, but only when it comes to singing.

“Aaminin ko naman na mas magaling kumanta si Freddie Aguilar kaysa sa akin at papayag sana ko dun sa sinasabi niya, kung ang Senado ay isang karaoke bar,” Diokno said in an interview after the endorsement of People’s Choice Movement (PCM) in Greenhills, San Juan City.

(I would admit that Freddie Aguilar is better than I am in terms of singing and I agree with him [that he is better], only if the Senate is a karaoke bar.)

But the senatorial contender pointed out that entertainment performances have no place in the halls of the Senate.

“Ang problema, ang Senado naman ay gagawa tayo ng batas doon at dapat siguro malaman ng taumbayan kung sino sa amin at kung sino sa mga kandidato ang talagang may kakayahan gumawa ng mga batas,” Diokno said.

(But [his] problem is that the Senate is mandated to craft laws and our countrymen have the right to know who among the candidates have the capability to make laws.)

 The lawyer then renewed his dare to engage administration-backed candidates to a debate.

“Kaya maganda sana iharap nya si Freddie Aguilar magkaroon tayo ng debate, o kahit sino pa ang gusto nila sa kanilang slate, handang handa ko makipagdebate kahit saan, kahit kailan,” Diokno dared President Rodrigo Duterte, who compared him to the folk singer.

(That is why it is better for him [Duterte] to pit Freddie Aguilar to a debate, or anyone in their slate, I am ready to have a debate with them, anywhere, anytime.)

In a speech in Koronadal City, South Cotabato on Tuesday, the President compared Diokno to Aguilar, whom he said had done more for the country.

“Diokno, professor sa… Abugado, tapos human-rights lawyer. Itabi mo kay Freddie Aguilar. Sige daw. Ano ang na-contribute ni Chel Diokno? Pang-gulo. Freddie Aguilar anong ibinigay? Binigyan niya ng mukha ang Pilipino musika,” the Chief Executive said. /jpv/ac

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