A debate among presidential candidates is important as it shows the true leadership of the person seeking the highest post in the land.
This was the assertion of Vice President Leni Robredo when asked during the CNN Philippines’ Presidential Debate about the importance for candidates attending debates in the run-up to the May 2022 polls.
Her closest rival former Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was the lone presidential bet absent after he declined the invitation.
Robredo said that candidates running for the country’s top elective post must attend debates so Filipinos can see their abilities, platforms, and track record.
The aspiring president noted having debates will also “level the playing field” for those seeking public office.
“Ito 'yung pagkakataon ng taong bayan para suriin 'yung aming (This is an opportunity for the people to analyze our) demeanor, makita 'yung aming (see our) character, pwedeng matanong kami tungkol sa aming (we can be asked about our) track record,” she said.
'Yung (The) number one ingredient din ng (-(also of) leadership aside from character is you show up in the most difficult times. 'Pag hindi ka magshow up (If you don’t show up) in the most difficult times hindi ka (you’re not a) leader,” Robredo added.
“So, kahit mahirap kailangan nandiyan ka, kailangan kaya mong harapin 'yung mga itatanong tungkol sa 'yo, kailangan kaya mong masagot kung ano 'yung issues laban sa 'yo. Hindi ka magtatago (even it is hard, you’ve to be present, you’ve to face the questions that will be asked about you, you’ve to answer the issues against you. You should not hide),” she stressed.
Robredo has attended almost all of the presidential forums and interviews, including the ones by Jessica Soho, Boy Abunda, Korina Sanchez-Roxas, DZBB Teleradyo, and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).
She only skipped so far the debate hosted by Sonshine Media Network, International (SMNI) last Feb. 15, citing conflict of schedule.
READ: Leni, Kiko to skip Quiboloy’s SMNI debate
The Vice President was not able to attend because of her “long standing commitment” to meet with leaders and supporters in Panay Island on the same day.
Robredo also said that appearing in debates is a means for candidates to give respect to the electorate.
“Napakahalaga ng eleksyon, napakahalaga ng debate pero bigyan mo ng oras mo kasi iyon 'yung pagpapakita mo ng respeto sa proseso (Elections are important, debate is important, but you should give it time because that’s the way for you to show respect to the process),” she added.