Opposition sets final push of its Senate bets on May 8

MANILA, Philippines — It is do or die for the opposition senatorial candidates as the Otso Diretso slate has set its last hurrah on May 8.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, campaign manager for the “Otso Diretso” slate, announced this on Thursday, eleven days before the May 13 polls.

“Pinaka-main natin, event natin ay naka-set ng May 8,” Pangilinan said in a Kapihan forum at the Senate.

“Mayroon pang mga events but yung pinaka-major event before the election campaign ends is on May 8,” he added.

Pangilinan did not bare more details as to the event as, he said, they are still finalizing the details.

However, he said that the opposition leaders — including Vice President Leni Robredo and former President Benigno Aquino III — will be attending the event.

Aside from the major event, the opposition slate will also have more television ads to further “amplify” their messaging, Pangilinan added.

The “Otso Diretso” candidates have been banking on door-to-door campaigns and campaign volunteers to get support from the public.

READ: ‘Otso Diretso’ candidates rely on house-to-house campaign

Pangilinan said they have already reached about two million households, or an estimated 10 million people, through this strategy.

However, he said some candidates made adjustment to their strategies but did not reveal any details.

“Our strategy should remain confidential, we will just execute it but yes we do have plans for the last 10 days,” the senator said.

“Tuluy tuloy pa rin yung ating panawagan na ang ating mga kandidato ay itulak ang kanilang gut issues at yung ating mensahe na dapat may honesty sa Senado, yung track record ng ating walo ay di naman matatawaran in terms na walang bahid,” he said.

Opposition senatorial candidates include reelectionist Senator Bam Aquino, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, election lawyer Romy Macalintal, civil society leader Samira Gutoc, former Quezon Rep. Erin Tañada, and former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay. /jpv