A debate among candidates running for a government position "is not an argument" but a platform where they can articulate their stand on critical issues and lay their plans for the country.
This was the reaction of Vice President Leni Robredo's camp over the statement of the camp of fellow presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on joining presidential debates.
"A debate is not an argument, hindi siya away, 'di ba (it is not a brawl, right). A debate is a venue by which each candidate can articulate kung ano yung kaniyang pinaglalaban, sagutin kung ano yung mga pwedeng ibato sa kaniyang tanong ng mga ibang mga katunggali (what a candidate is fighting for, to answer questions thrown at her by her opponents)," Robredo's Spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said in an interview with ANC Friday, Feb. 11.
Gutierrez stressed that a debate is also an opportunity for the voters to see all presidential candidates in one place.
It is a chance for the citizens to see who among the candidates will stand out, who has clear plans for the country, and who has the composure to go up against any of the fellow candidates.
"Because that’s what a President will do. It’s not just about clarity of plans, although that is such a huge thing, it’s also being able to perform under pressure because the presidency is a pressure-packed job," Gutierrez pointed out.
"If you’re President, you will have to face difficult situations, you will have to face situations that you are not comfortable with," Gutierrez added.
He said that Robredo, for the last six years, "has been put through really a ringer in terms of the pressure she has been put under, bashers, trolls, hecklers, and she has not stood down at any point. She has always faced any challenge."
READ MORE: 'Wala naman kasi akong tinatago': Robredo says she's not afraid to face tough questions
Gutierrez, however, said he understands the move of Marcos camp to prefer interviews over debate, saying it's their strategy.
"I perfectly understand where they’re going, but you know, I think it’s completely disingenuous to try to portray this as a kind of principled stand," he said.
Robredo's camp is hoping that more voters "realize that the debates, the interviews, the forums in the election is intended to help them see the real personality of the candidates."
Robredo, in one of her interviews, said candidates should not be scared to face tough questions and be ready to offer themselves to be a subject for scrutiny.
READ MORE: Robredo: Candidates should be ready to answer tough questions, face public scrutiny