Malacañang yesterday branded as a successful but "cheap" media stunt the attempt of four senatorial candidates from the opposition coalition Otso Diretso to sail to Panatag Shoal. Senatorial candidates Rep. Gary Alejano (PL Magdalo), former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, lawyer Chel Diokno and civic leader Samira Gutoc tried to sail to Panatag Shoal during a recent visit to Masinloc, Zambales but were stopped by the Philippine Coast Guard. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and concurrent presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the move was a successful publicity stunt since the media played up the issue.

Montemayor, J., & Orias, E. (2019, April 10). Otso bet's planned Panatag Shoal trip cheap media gimmick - Panelo. Malaya Business Insight, pp. B1, B3.