‘We had one shot’: #SalamatChel trends for Twitter’s woke lolo

MANILA, Philippines — It was a morning filled with heartbreaks for supporters of Otso Diretso candidates. Based on the partial and unofficial results from the Comelec’s transparency server, opposition senatorial bet and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno failed to make it to the top 15 candidates.

Diokno is Twitter’s favorite “Woke Lolo”, having the biggest share of voice among the Senate candidates in the past month, according to Crowdtangle data.

His supporters expressed their dismay and gratitude over the unofficial results using #SalamatChel which eventually trended on Twitter.

Hi everyone! We’re collecting your messages for Woke Lolo Chel Diokno . Please use hashtag #SalamatChel and mention @ChelDiokno. He’ll be reading some of them tonight. Maraming Salamat, CHELdren!

— #25 Senator Chel Diokno (@iaannnnnnnnnnnn) May 14, 2019

You let go of this competent candidate. Someone with potential and wisdom. Someone capable of giving us what we truly deserve. Someone with a true “makabayan” and “makatao” spirit. Hindi ikaw ang talo dito @ChelDiokno, kami. Kami ang talo. #SalamatChel pic.twitter.com/e6w68aCJlI

— joo #25ChelDiokno pa din (@jjajangbyeol) May 14, 2019

I’m sorry we failed, Sir. I’m so sorry. Please don’t give up. We need you in this country. You might be the one who’ll make a change in this country. Let’s not quit, Chel Diokno. Thank you Sir for trying. LET’S NOT QUIT. GOD BLESS YOU.

sakit ng puso ko.#HalalanDayaan2019 pic.twitter.com/kEoMJ98qVL

— `cris (@tearysehun) May 13, 2019

But other followers still have hope, saying that should Diokno run again, they would vote for him.

#SalamatChel you’ve inspired millions of young Filipinos that there is hope for a better Philippines where justice shall be served regardless of economic and social status. Huwag ka muna sumuko, ipaghihiganti ka namin sa 2022.

— den (@denzanity_) May 14, 2019

Thank you for putting a good fight Atty @ChelDiokno. You are a brave warrior. Sorry, we failed to give you what you deserve. But I hope to see you in the 2022 elections, running for president. We still believe, Attorney. #SalamatChel

— (@panaloadmu) May 14, 2019

#SalamatChel , We will wait for you po in 2022, We will fight together. Youth is rooting for you, Philippines need your helping hand and Government badly need your bravery. Again, We lost diamond because you chose stone.

— ‘ (@Cypheritae) May 14, 2019

Here’s what the rest had to say:

#SalamatChel – Curated tweets by rapplerdotcom

What about you? Which win or loss do you feel strongly about? Let us know in the comments or using #PHVote. —Rappler.com

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