Like Vice President Leni Robredo, aspiring vice president Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan will also skip the Comelec-KBP Pilipinas Forum 2022 to focus on the last stretch of campaigns.
In a statement on Friday, April 29, Pangilinan echoed Robredo's call for presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and his runningmate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to attend the debate.
“Tulad ni VP Leni Robredo, hindi ako makakadalo sa Comelec-KBP Pilipinas Forum 2022 dahil konting tulog na lang, eleksyon na at punong-puno na ang schedule natin sa direktang pagharap at pagpapasalamat sa mga volunteer, at sa pagkukumbinsi pa sa mga ‘Andy’ o undecided sa lugar mismo nila (Like VP Leni Robredo, I will not be able to attend the Comelec-KBP Pilipinas Forum 2022 because we only have a few days before elections and our schedule is already packed in meeting and thanking our volunteers, and in convincing the 'Andy' or undecided voters)," the senator said.
"At susugan ko rin ang hamon ni VP Leni kay Ginoong Bongbong Marcos at sa aking katunggali, kay Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte na dumalo dahil bukod tangi sila sa lahat ng mga kandidato na hindi kailanman nagpakita sa mga debate (And I also echo the dare of VP Leni to Mr. Bongbong Marcos and to my opponent, Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte to attend because they are the only ones among all candidates who never showed up in debates)," he added.
The vice presidential aspirant reiterated that candidates, who are seeking for a public office, must face the voters to know their plans for the country. It is also an opportunity to clear the controversies thrown at them, he said.
"Madalas ang mga hindi nagpapakita ay may mga itinatago. Mayroon kayang itinatago ang kampo ng Marcos-Duterte? Patunayan niyong wala (Those who don't show up often are hiding something. Is the camp of Marcos-Duterte hiding something? Prove that you're not hiding anything)," Pangilinan said.
Robredo on Friday announced that she will skip the Comelec's panel interview due to a packed campaign schedule. She also challenged rival Marcos to a debate, saying if it happens, she will be there "anytime, anywhere."