MANILA – If the results of the mock elections by universities and colleges in the country are to be followed, the senatorial candidates of “Otso Diretso” should land a spot in the Magic 12.
Human rights lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno and Samira Gutoc topped the mock polls conducted by University of Santo Tomas (UST), De La Salle University (DLSU), Far Eastern University and Ateneo de Manila University.
Diokno and Gutoc topped the UST poll conducted among 532 students, followed by Neri Colmenares, Grace Poe, Florin Hilbay, Bam Aquino, Mar Roxas, Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada, Rodolfo Alejano, Romy Macalintal, Pia Cayetano and Leody De Guzman.
Diokno and Gutoc exceeded in the DLSU poll among 1,455 respondents followed by Aquino, Colmenares, Tañada, Hilbay, Roxas, Alejano, Macalintal, Poe, De Guzman and Sergio Osmeña.
In the FEU and Ateneo polls of among 610 respondents, Diokno and Gutoc topped the list followed by Colmenares, Poe, Aquino, Hilbay, Roxas, Alejano, Tañada, Willie Ong, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Cayetano.
Diokno was thankful for the support of the youth that inspired him to serve the country, as he wanted the next generation to enjoy a better Philippines.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating kabataan. Hindi naman ako kilala noong nagsimula ang kampanya, wala rin tayong malaking pera o makinarya, kaya hindi ko inasahan na ganito katindi ang magiging suporta nila sa akin,” he said.
“Ang gusto kong iwan sa kanila ay bansa na makatarungan, dahil ang ibig sabihin niyan ay bansang maunlad, payapa at malaya sa krimen at korapsyon,” added Diokno. /PN
