Gutoc, Diokno welcome much-needed support from celebrities

MANILA, Philippines — Otso Diretso stalwarts Samira Gutoc and Chel Diokno may not be in the ‘Magic 12’ of pre-election surveys, but they received much-needed support from the entertainment industry a few days before the May 13 polls.

Comedienne and host Vice Ganda said in a tweet on Thursday night that he would vote for Diokno.

“Matalino, magaling at matino si Chel Diokno. Iboboto ko sya para sa lahat ng Madlang People na naghahangad ng bansang may hustisya (Wise, good, and honorable, I will vote for Chel Diokno for all people yearning for justice),” Vice Ganda said.

“Sana maisama nyo rin sya sa iboboto nyong 12 (I hope you will include him in the 12 candidates you will vote for),” he added.

Matalino, magaling at MATINO si CHEL DIOKNO. Iboboto ko sya para sa lahat ng Madlang People na naghahangad ng bansang may hustisya. Sana maisama nyo rin sya sa iboboto nyong 12.

— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) May 9, 2019

Members of the late master rapper Francis Magalona’s family, including his wife Pia and daughter Saab, also proudly announced that they would vote for Diokno.

Time for a COOL change. On Monday, May 13, vote wisely. CHEL DIOKNO (25) sa Senado. Chel is chill, knows how to respond with respect and keeps his dignity and integrity. Above all, he makes great sense, is good-natured, yet stands his ground. Be like Chel Diokno! 🙌🏼 #OtsoDiretso pic.twitter.com/G8cxsn0c4Y

— Pia Magalona ⁷ (@piamagalona) May 10, 2019

Meanwhile, Kapuso actor Dingdong Dantes has voiced his support for Gutoc’s senatorial bid, saying that she has what it takes to make Filipino lives better.

“I was able to watch your speech last night, Maam. Solid. I am convinced that with your set of values, clean track record, and competence, you have what it takes to uplift the lives of our countrymen. Good luck,” Dantes tweeted.

I was able to watch your speech last night, Maam. Solid. I am convinced that with your set of values, clean track record and competence, you have what it takes to uplift the lives of our countrymen. Good luck.

— Dingdong Dantes (@dingdongdantes) May 9, 2019

Gutoc’s camp said that other artists including Kiko Rustia, Pepe Herrera, Caridad Sanchez, Bayang Barrios, Cooky Chua, Chito Miranda, Enchong Dee, Celeste Legazpi, Angeli Pangilinan, and Agot Isidro have also endorsed the Marawi civic leader.

Although a vocal supporter of the administration, Robin Padilla also said he would vote for his fellow Muslim leader.

Herrera, Dantes, Barrios, Dee, Chua, and Miranda also gave their thumbs up to Diokno, along with other so-called ‘Chel-ebrities’ Kris Aquino, Vilma Santos-Recto, Bianca Gonzalez, Jaime Fabregas, Janine Gutierrez, Ebe Dancel, Bullet Dumas, and Johnoy Danao of 3D, Noel Cabangon, Medwin Marfil of True Faith, Bituin Escalante, and Buddy Zabala.

Diokno and Gutoc are running under the Otso Diretso slate, a coalition of different political parties such as the Liberal Party, Aksyon Demokratiko, Akbayan, and Magdalo. They were also included in the Makabayan’s 11-person slate.

Gutoc said that it is heartwarming to know that celebrities are also advocating for an independent Senate, especially since candidates like them need more exposure.

“Nakakataba ng puso na malaman na maski pala mga sikat na personalidad ay kaisa natin sa laban para sa isang independent Senate,” Gutoc said Friday.

(It is heartwarming to see that even famous personalities are one with us in our fight for an independent Senate.)

“We hope that more people would support the opposition because we need to be heard by Filipinos and that they could trust us as senators,” she said in Filipino. (Editor: Eden E. Estopace)