After admin’s poll win, Duterte takes another swipe at Otso bets

UNDERDOGS Otso Diretso senatorial candidates flash their signature sign at a campaign rally at Cafe Poblacion in Caloocan City. —LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday took a swipe at defeated opposition senatorial candidates after the administration bets rule the May midterm elections.

Speaking before the Filipino community in Japan where he is currently on a four-day working visit, Duterte reiterated that the Otso Diretso senatorial bets did nothing but to talk against his administration.

“Kung ’yan lang din mga politiko, mga Otso Diretso, remember those guys, kung sino ’yang mga naiwan diyan, walang ibang ginawa kundi magdaldal, walang contribution,” Duterte said before Filipinos living and working in Japan.

At one point in his speech, Duterte even asked the crowd if they want outgoing Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, one of his fiercest critics, to become the President when he steps down on 2022.

“Ako ‘yung next election… Gusto niyong maging Presidente si Trillanes?” Duterte asked to which his audience responded with boos.

Eight of the 12 winning senators in the May 13 polls were endorsed by Duterte. Meanwhile, not one senatorial aspirant from the opposition ticket won a post.

Outgoing Senator Bam Aquino was Otso Diretso’s top candidate, who landed at the 14th spot.

READ: Final, official count: Villar 1st, Binay 12th in Senate race