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Lacson-Sotto tandem turns down SMNI presidential debate at Okada tomorrow

Philippines

Lacson-Sotto tandem turns down SMNI presidential debate at Okada tomorrow

By Mario Casayuran

The Lacson-Sotto tandem on Monday, Feb. 14 turned down a scheduled debate among presidential candidates at Okada casino tomorrow night.

"With all due respect and giving regard to common sense, SP (Senate President Vicente) TIto Sotto (III) and I are skipping the SMNI debates,’’ presidential candidate Senator Panfilo M. Lacson said.

‘’The network’s chairman, Pastor Quiboloy, has already openly endorsed his preferred presidential and vice-presidential candidates,’’ he added.

A ‘’PM sa Senado’’ viber account had announced that all the presidential bets have confirmed their attendance in the presidential debate from 6 to 10 p.m.

A check with a Lacson media officer by Manila Bulletin yesterday showed that Lacson’s itinerary this week had no schedule to attend the SMNI presidential debate tomorrow.

Lacson, in his Viber account, confirmed this afternoon that he and Sotto are not attending the SMNI-sponsored debate.

Another presidential candidate, Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, declined the invitation to attend the SMNI-sponsored debate.

In a statement, Pacquiao said: ‘’As much as I would like to participate in every debate and public forum related to my bid for the presidency, I am compelled to decline the invitation of SMNI, which is owned by Apollo Quibuloy, who, according to the US government, has molested and abused children.’’

‘'I cannot, in good conscience, be part of any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who unconscionably used the name of the Lord in vain for religious scams,’’ he added.

Related Tags

Tito Sotto SMNI Lacson-Sotto tandem presidential debates ping lacson Pastor Apollo Quiboloy

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