By Macon Ramos-Araneta
Former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat on Tuesday said Filipinos should brace for more dirty tricks to prevent people from going to the rallies of Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running for President in the May 9 elections.
“Harassing our supporters only stokes their passion even more,” said Baguilat, who is running as senator under the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem.
“The people know when dirty tactics are employed,” he added.
Baguilat was reacting to reports that public buses and jeeps ferrying Robredo’s supporters to the Dagupan City Grand Rally on Friday night were apprehended for traffic violations.
“Threatening to impound their ride is a dirty tactic,” said the former lawmaker.
“Instead of being disheartened, the opposite is achieved,” stressed Baguilat.
He said the people become resolved “to see and hear the next president of the Philippines.”
No roadblock, he said, would be able to stop the massive “pink wave” of people going to Robredo’s rallies.
“If your removed buses, they will walk. If you block their way, they will ride a boat. You cannot prevent them from seeing a candidate they love,” stressed Baguilat.
He recalled when Robredo rode a motorcycle just to reach her rally in Cavite.
“This leadership trait of showing up no matter what has also inspired her supporters,” he said.
News on incidents of intimidation traveled fast in social media, “then harassment becomes the best advertisement for people to come to our rallies,” said Baguilat.
Robredo herself reacted to the reported incidents, saying harassing her supporters “will only make them determined to make us win.”
She said that instead of dissuading people from attending, similar incidents in the past only emboldened them to publicly manifest their support.
“What we saw in other places, her supporters are more eager to go. They became more decided to show their support,” added Baguilat.