The Otso Diretso

THE Otso DIretso candidates led by VP Leni Robredo, chair of the opposition Liberal Party, was here in Naga yesterday for their official proclamation rally after their initial campaign sortie in Caloocan City the other day. The coalition candidates were fielded by VP Robredo to serve as opposition to “the Duterte administration’s regressive policies, including extrajudicial killings and the tax reform law that had caused prices of goods to soar.” They also expect the people to vote “based on principle.” The Otso Diretso candidates are: former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, Samira Gutoc of Mindanao, re-electionist Senator Bam Aquino, Magdalo Party-List representative Gary Alejano, Atty. Erin Tanada, grandson of former senator Lorenzo Tanada, lawyer Romy Macalintal, Chel Diokno, and former Senator Mar Roxas. Some political pundits believe that although the personal backgrounds of opposition candidates are impressive, they would have an uphill battle this coming midterm elections in the light of their lack of political machinery as compared to the administration candidates. It is believed that this midterm elections would be a “referendum” on President DU30’s administration and although the President is not a candidates he would necessarily put a hand to ensure that the administration candidates win the elections. Contrary to the view of Secretary Teodoro Locsin, this writer believes that the lady foreign national who splashed “taho” at a policeman should not be treated with kid gloves. The police authorities acted rightly in charging the foreigner with several offenses including direct assault, disobedience to authorities and unjust vexation. After trial, convicted or not, she should be deported to her country of origin. In this way, we maintain our honor and dignity as a country. TRIVIA: The Knights of Rizal, Naga City and Camarines Sur Chapter, will have its regular meeting on February 16 starting at 2:00 pm. The Post Valentine party with dinner and fellowship will follow after the meeting. Congratulations to Ms. Sonia Valenciano-Disuanco of USI high school batch ‘55 who will be celebrating her 80th birthday anniversary on February 16. Her batchmates and close friends have been invited to a dinner-fellowship at Don Mariano Hall, Villa Caceres Hotel at 6:00pm. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “THERE THOSE WHO LOOK AT THINGS THE WAY THEY ARE AND ASK WHY... I DREAM OF THINGS THAT NEVER WERE, AND ASK WHY NOT?” ROBERT F. KENNEDY FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “DO NOT BE CONQUERED BY EVIL BUT CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD.” ROMANS 16:6