INQUIRER File photo
MANILA, Philippines — The results of the senatorial race will test the Senate’s independence, senatorial candidate and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno said Tuesday.
During a chance interview on the sides of his thanksgiving rally, Diokno expressed worry on the possible outcome of the senatorial elections.
“Ako’y nababahala sa maaaring mangyari sa ating bayan dahil sa naging resulta ng halalan,” Diokno said.
He enumerated several issues like the death penalty, federalism, among others, that may test the Senate’s’ independence.
“‘Yung mga issue na tatalakayin sa Senado, ‘yung issue halimbawa ng death penalty, yung issue ng pagbaba ng age of criminal responsibilty, yung TRAIN [Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion], ‘yung federalism, ‘yung cha-cha [charter change]. Lahat yan, naku! Malalaman natin kung talagang magiging independent ang ating Senado,” Diokno said.
“Kung hindi naman ay handa naman tayo magsalita bilang Pilipino at palagay naman ay dapat malaman din nila kung ano ang sentimyento ng taong bayan,” he added.
With the composition of the Top 12, Diokno said it is high time for people, especially those for the youth, women, oppressed and workers, to be heard.
“Dahil ganito ang magiging komposisyon ng ating Senado, mas lalo pang kailangang marinig nila ‘yung boses ng kabataan, ‘yung boses ng kababaihan , ‘yung boses ng mga maralita, ‘yung boses ng mga manggagawa,” Diokno said.
“Lahat ng sektor, ‘yung sinasabing nasa laylayan ng ating lipunan. Kailangan ipaabot natin ‘yung ating mga sentimyento sa kanila,” he added.
None of the members of the Otso Diretso slate where Diokno belongs was able to enter the senatorial race’s Top 12. (Editor: Abe Cerojano)