Leni, Otso Diretso bets in full force in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo and Otso Diretso senatorial bets were in full force as they wooed support from vote-rich Cebu yesterday two weeks before the midterm elections.

Former interior secretary Mar Roxas joined the rest of the opposition slate, which also includes human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, reelectionist Sen. Bam Aquino, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc, former solicitor general Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romy Macalintal, former Quezon congressman Erin Tañada and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano.

This was only the second time the opposition senatorial ticket was complete in one city during the campaign period. This was their third campaign sortie in Cebu. 

The candidates joined Robredo in the launch of Ahon Laylayan Koalisyon, which was organized by her supporters.

Roxas noted some auspicious signs, including the date of election day, which falls on his birthday, and his number on the ballots. Roxas was born on May 13, 1957. 

“It seems like it’s destiny. Maybe I can ask for your vote for me and the Otso Diretso as gift,” Roxas said.?

Cebu has a total of 3,082,621 registered voters for the May 2019 polls. This number makes up almost five percent of the total registered voters in the country.

Meanwhile, Diokno and Macalintal expressed alarm over reports that members of the Philippine National Police in Baguio City were the ones checking the vote counting machines to be used in next month’s polls.

“We are alarmed by this report because the duty of the PNP is to provide security. They have no capability to (inspect) the PCOS (precinct count optical scan),” he said. 

Gutoc also appealed to the Department of the Interior and Local Government not to prevent barangay officials from hosting the campaign sorties of the opposition. 

She said local officials should not be not afraid of having their internal revenue allotments kept from them or having their names included in the so-called narco list of the government.

“Usec. (Epimaco) Densing, it’s not correct to brand as partisan politics the barangay official who just entertains a voters education activity. We are already the underdogs, and we’re not using any kind of government program for our campaign,” she said, addressing the interior undersecretary.              – Helen Flores

“Give us that chance to be heard by your community, by the barangays and we’re thanking Cebu for welcoming us,” she said.