Sotto calls Palace matrix ‘list of people irked at Duterte’

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. INQUIRER.NET / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — The matrix is list of people, who are irked at President Rodrigo Duterte.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said this on Thursday as he found “questionable” the inclusion of Filipino Olympian Hidilyn Diaz and television host Gretchen Ho in an alleged ouster plot against Duterte.

READ: Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz shocked over inclusion in oust-Duterte matrix

“Those two names are questionable,” Sotto said in a text message when sought for comment on Diaz and Ho’s inclusion in the matrix released Wednesday by Malacañang.

“I can’t see how they may be participative in an ouster move. I’d rather look into it with caution,” the Senate leader added.

Asked then if the matrix was credible, Sotto said: “It’s just a matrix. It should just be taken as it is. It need not be credible or incredible. One’s perception is the factor of consideration.”

“Translation~ ito ang listahan ng mga asar kay PRRD (Duterte’s initials),” he further said.

When asked again if the matrix should then not be linked to the alleged ouster plot against Duterte, Sotto said: “Well, it’s up to you on how you asses it.”

But for Sotto, there’s an an easier way to find out if the people are indeed against Duterte’s leadership now.

“Ask them: Do you want Duterte to remain as President?” he said. /cbb

Related story: Lacson on Hidilyn, Gretchen in matrix: ‘Bikoy’ infiltrated NSA?