#SalamatChel trends on Twitter as netizens lament Diokno’s Senate loss
MANILA, Philippines — The hashtag #SalamatChel was among the hottest trending topics on Twitter Tuesday afternoon as online Filipinos lamented the loss of Otso Diretso senatorial bet and human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno in the 2019 senatorial race.
Diokno, dubbed by netizens as “woke Lolo,” failed to secure a Senate seat as he has been out of the winning circle since vote counting began Monday evening.
The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV’s) partial and unofficial tally mirrored by the Inquirer transparency server placed Diokno on the 21st spot with 6,175,743 votes as of 6:20 p.m. Tuesday and with 95.17 percent of election returns from clustered precincts nationwide already transmitted.
Diokno, the son of former Senator and Commission on Human Rights founding chair Jose “Pepe” Diokno, consistently dominated pre-election mock surveys from various universities and colleges all over the country.
The founding dean of the De La Salle University College of Law earned his degree in Philosophy from the University of the Philippines and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Juris Doctor of Laws from the Northern Illinois University College of Law.
He passed both bar examinations in the Philippines and the United States and currently heads the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), the country’s largest human rights group.
Diokno has yet to concede defeat but already took to Twitter to express his gratitude to his supporters.
“Muli, sa lahat ng kapwa ko Pilipino, salamat sa inyo,” he wrote.
Muli, sa lahat ng kapwa ko Pilipino, salamat sa inyo. https://t.co/NUO4OzQREF
— Chel Diokno (@ChelDiokno) May 14, 2019
Meanwhile, netizens thanked the “competent” and “most deserving” Diokno for bringing “hope” and for his “dedication and compassion” to the country.
Netizens, who appear to be brokenhearted over Diokno’s loss, also vowed to support still and champion the human rights lawyer should he decide to run anew in the 2022 polls.
Here’s what they have been saying on Twitter:
You let go of this competent candidate. Someone with potential and wisdom. Someone capable of giving us what we truly deserve. Someone with a true "makabayan" and "makatao" spirit. Hindi ikaw ang talo dito @ChelDiokno, kami. Kami ang talo. #SalamatChel pic.twitter.com/e6w68aCJlI
— joo (@jjajangbyeol) May 14, 2019
#SalamatChel you've inspired millions of young Filipinos that there is hope for a better Philippines where justice shall be served regardless of economic and social status. Huwag ka muna sumuko, ipaghihiganti ka namin sa 2022.
— denver (@denzanity_) May 14, 2019
Thanks to these provinces/cities. #SalamatChel @ChelDiokno
#halalanresults2019 #LabanBayan pic.twitter.com/7CVYznfPeh— hī-ə-ˈrä-nə-məs (@desi0ch0) May 14, 2019
Sir. You don't know how much I admire you. Thank you for putting a good fight. Promise us you will never give up because all the people who believes in you will never get tired on saying that "THIS COUNTRY NEEDS CHEL DIOKNO".
My heart is shouting " Salamat Sir" ☹️#SalamatChel pic.twitter.com/fd4lvXl47C
— `ᴄʀɪꜱ (@tearyixing) May 14, 2019
Maybe Chel didn't get the spot because we Filipinos don't deserve his dedication and compassion for our country. Our county needs you, nice fight.#SalamatChel pic.twitter.com/5SroNrFD7P
— 💙🦅 (@akosijio_) May 14, 2019
I got teary when I saw this. Why? Because the MOST DESERVING SENATOR IS AT #21 how come? This man didn't actually lose but ours.
It is the Philippines and the Filipinos who lost the chance to be served by the best senator we could have but never had. @ChelDiokno #SalamatChel pic.twitter.com/TdEjdRu8a2
— Arsie Siega (@arsie_fresh) May 14, 2019
Did Chel Diokno lose? No, we did. #SalamatChel
— Anexa Marie ✨ (@nexaaaay_) May 14, 2019
#SalamatChel , We will wait for you po in 2022, We will fight together. Youth is rooting for you, Philippines need your helping hand and Government badly need your bravery. Again, We lost diamond because you chose stone.
— ' (@chlove_el) May 14, 2019
We will wait for you in 2022. New registered voters and the youth will surely make a difference. You deserve to be in the Top 12. Our country needs someone who's competitive and responsible enough to make our future better. Thank you for fighting, Tatay @ChelDiokno #SalamatChel pic.twitter.com/9ysAdnW6MM
— jungwoo (@softestjwoo) May 14, 2019
I felt bad looking at this photo. Not for you Sir @ChelDiokno, but for the Philippines. Definitely not your loss but ours. Thank you for being our hope. The best senator we didn't have 💔 can't thank you enough 🇵🇭 #Halalan2019 #SalamatChel pic.twitter.com/2KBWo6EdpQ
— Paula Mercado (@richellepaulaaa) May 14, 2019
Siguro, we just don't deserve you. Your profile, your dedication, patriotism, and competence – best fit for being a Senator. Salamat for trying and for giving us even the slightest hope for a better Senate. Thank you po.#SalamatChel#Halalan2019
— Joanna (@thesilverorb) May 14, 2019
(Editor: Eden Estopace)
