Lackluster survey standings of opposition senatorial bets worry Roxas

Senatorial bets from the “Otso Diretso” talk over breakfast at former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas’ home in Roxas City, Capiz. Photo by Otso Diretso

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas admitted Thursday he was worried about the performance of “Otso Diretso” senatorial candidates in latest surveys conducted for the midterm election this May.

“Of course worried ako, I’m sure lahat ng kandidato ay worried din,” the former Senator told reporters on the sidelines of the group’s town hall meetings in Capiz.

The latest Pulse Asia survey showed that only Roxas and Senator Bam Aquino might have the chance to enter the so-called “Magic 12,” with Roxas taking 8th to 15th spot while Aquino placed 10th to 16th.

However, others in Otso Diretso slate – Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, civic leader Samira Gutoc, and election lawyer Romulo Macalintal – were trailing in the survey.

Topping Pulse Asia’s newest poll was Senator Grace Poe, who was Roxas’ rival in the 2016 presidential elections.  Both lost to then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

READ: Poe tops Pulse Asia survey on 2019 Senate hopefuls

Earlier, Aquino said the survey results would motivate the opposition candidates to double — or even triple — their efforts to reach out to more people and discuss their platforms.

Roxas echoed Aquino’s sentiments, saying the campaign would be no place for complacency.

“You must run scared, dapat worried ka, hindi ka maging complacent.  Napakalaki ng Pilipinas at sa 90 days (campaign period), napaka-ikli ng panahon.  I feel we must all be worried,” he said. /kga