VP cites ‘operation’ to ease Mar, Bam out of poll ‘Magic 12’

MANILA, Philippines – While welcoming the improved survey ranking of several Otso Diretso candidates in the latest Pulse Asia senatorial survey, Vice President Leni Robredo on Thursday said there appears to be a concerted effort to ease relectionist Bam Aquino and former senator Mar Roxas out of the so-called Magic 12.

The latest Pulse Asia survey released Thursday showed Aquino in 11^th-16^th place while Roxas ranked 11th-17^th.

“Talagang mayroong operasyon na hindi sila makapasok sa 12. So dapat, kami talaga extra effort din para ma-contradict iyong ganitong strategy (There is an operation for [Bam and Mar] to not make the Top 12. So we are exerting extra efforts to offset this),” Robredo said during the launching of the Ahon Laylayan Koalisyon in Aklan.

Robredo, however, did not specify whether the supposed operation concerns pre-election surveys or the elections itself.

Robredo also rued the opposition slate’s lack of funds, which prevents them airing more television and radio advertisements.

“Ginagawa naman namin pero admittedly mahirap talaga—mahirap in the sense na walang resources iyong Otso Diretso (We are doing everything we can but admittedly it is hard because Otso Diretso does not have the resources),” Robredo said.

“Talagang tumitiyaga kami sa tao-tao, sa bayan-bayan. Makakatulong sanang malaki iyong TV ads, iyong radio ads, kaya lang pasulpot-sulpot din kasi talagang sobrang mahal (We try to reach the public in the provinces and municipalities. TV and radio advertisements could have helped but we rarely air them because it is too expensive),” she added.

Otso Diretso candidates Erin Tañada, Romulo Macalintal, Samira Gutoc, and Chel Diokno ranked 23^rd to 30^th in the survey while Gary Alejano was further behind at 26^th to 35^th.  / gsg