WATCH: Samira Gutoc on why Isko Moreno is not Duterte 2.0

Ever since Isko Moreno used the word “yellowtard” and called Vice President Leni Robredo a “fake leader,” more people have voiced their suspicion that the Manila mayor is too similar to President Rodrigo Duterte for comfort.

Senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc has called out her own standard-bearer for his remarks, but she still thinks Moreno is not “Duterte 2.0.”

She explains why in this excerpt from a Rappler Talk interview with reporter Pia Ranada.

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Gutoc, asked why she believes Moreno would be a more capable pandemic-time president than Robredo, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and other candidates, said the Manila mayor represents the moderate view.

“He’s not caught between any of the lines that draw polarization…. Although yes, nagka-sideline tayo sa (we were sidetracked by the) word on ‘yellowtard,’ ‘inidoro,’ pero (but) if you are able to bring together all the colors, supporters, or even if you win, you bring supporters of BBM (Bongbong Marcos) to the fold and get them to see that human rights is as much an issue…then that is something that will heal,” said Gutoc.

Moreno himself has maintained he is “not a Duterte candidate.” His party’s chairman said Moreno’s outburst was due to the mayor’s frustration over the #WithdrawIsko hashtag that trended after Robredo declared her presidential bid and her statements about his stance on Ferdinand Marcos.

Ranada also asked Gutoc why she thinks Mindanaoans should vote for Moreno, who has garnered only single-digit preferential ratings in the region in pre-electoral surveys.

Watch the full interview with Gutoc here. – Rappler.com