Otso Diretso kicks off campaign in Caloocan and Naga City

MANILA, Philippines — The Otso Diretso senatorial slate starts its election campaign on Tuesday, Feb. 12, in Caloocan City, followed by a trip to Naga City in Camarines Sur the next day.

Otso Diretso organizers on Thursday said a press conference would be held in South Caloocan on Tuesday before Otso Diretso candidates conduct a door-to-door campaign in the city.

An assembly of volunteers will follow the door-to-door campaign at the San Roque Cathedral along A. Mabini Street.  An evening Mass will be held, before the group moves to Naga City on Feb. 13, Wednesday.

The candidates will attend a student dialogue at the Camarines Sur Polytechnic College, to be followed by a lunch with Iriga City officials, and a kick-off rally in the city.

Caloocan City is not a known bailiwick of the opposition, although longtime Liberal Party (LP) member Rep. Edgar Erice hails from the city.  Meanwhile, Naga City is the hometown of Vice President Leni Robredo, whose late husband former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo served as mayor for six terms.

The Otso Diretso line-up is composed of Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, re-electionist Senator Bam Aquino, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, civic leader Samira Gutoc, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, and former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada.

The coalition is composed of several organizations, including the LP, Magdalo, Aksyon Demokratiko, and Akbayan. /muf