Noynoy joins Otso Diretso bets in People Power anniversary celebration

Former President Benigno Aquino III joined opposition senatorial candidates from the Otso Diretso slate in commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the  People Power revolution on Saturday.

According to Mav Gonzales' report for "24 Oras," Aquino led the anniversary celebration at the People Power monument in Quezon City.

Otso Diretso candidates who spoke during the event include Respresentative Gary Alejano, Senator Bam Aquino, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno,  civil society leader Samira Gutoc, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, and former Deputy Speaker Lorenzo "Erin" Tañada.

Mar Roxas, who was on an overseas trip, conveyed a his commemorative message through video.

Vice President Leni Robredo, who was also expected to attend the event, was not able to make it as she was in Bicol.

Dengvaxia scare

During his speech, which was streamed live on Otso Diretso's Facebook page, Aquino slammed the authors of "baseless" information who, he said, fueled anti-vaccination hysteria.

The former president pointed out that the issue had not only damaged the credibility of health workers, but also resulted in the recent surge in measles cases.

"Madaling salita ho, wala nang kredibilidad ang ating mga health practitioner," he said.

"Ano po ang resulta?...Meron na po tayong epidemic ngayon ng tigdas. Kung nabakunahan yan, nailigtas sana ang lahat nitong nagkaroon  ng tigdas."

Aquino, nevertheless, lauded Health Department's efforts to correct the public distrust of immunization.

'U-turn'

Aquino also expressed his concern about the seeming return of martial law, or martial law-era institutions, including the Department of Human Settlements, during the current administration. He also brought up President Rodrigo Duterte's desire to change the country's name to Maharlika, a Marcos-era proposal.

"Pati na nagbabalik yung mga ugali at pamamaraan na atin po nilabanan na noong panahon ng kadiliman ng Batas Militar," Aquino said, adding that the Duterte administration seemed to be executing a "U-turn."

He also urged people to vote in the midterm elections in May. — Margaret Claire Layug/MDM/BM, GMA News