MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Otso Diretso Senatorial candidate Erin Tañada today defended his controversial ‘handshake’ with a fish vendor during one of his recent campaign sorties, photos of which went viral on social media.

Netizens criticized Tañada for what they are calling his refusal to hold the hand of the vendor for fear of smelling fishy.

In a statement issued to the press, the green Senator (he always wears green-colored shirts), said the fish vendor’s name was Mercedes, and he was merely trying to hold the “Braso ni Mercedes” — (the arm of Mercedes) —  you know just like that Filipino favorite cake Brazo de Mercedes available at Goldilocks and Red Ribbon Bakeshops.

Explanation accepted!