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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider No backing out: Bongbong ready for 'hostile questions' at SMNI debate

No backing out: Bongbong ready for 'hostile questions' at SMNI debate

Published Feb 15, 2022 10:46 am

Presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has confirmed his attendance to the presidential debate to be hosted by SMNI media network on Tuesday night, Feb. 15.

Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN

"My word is my bond," said Marcos Jr. in a statement. "I made a commitment to join the SMNI event and, in fact, I’ve signed the agreement for my attendance."

This developed even as his camp previously stated that the presidential aspirant would not join any event that would only engage candidates in a debate to avoid fighting. SMNI's event is titled "SMNI Presidential Debate 2022."

"It should be a presidential interview other than a debate. Hindi ka naman makikipagtalo sa magiging mga amo mo (You will not fight against your future bosses)," lawyer Vic Rodriguez, Marcos Jr.'s spokesman, said in an ANC interview on Feb. 9.

Marcos Jr. said he's had a hectic schedule since the start of the 90-day national campaign that started on Feb. 8, but a break between events permitted him to be in Metro Manila to honor his commitment to the SMNI event.

"Kapag nag-oo ako na sasali ay tutuparin ko kahit sino ang nag-imbita at kahit gaano man ka-hostile and inaasahan kong mga tanong (If I say yes, I will honor it no matter who invited and no matter how hostile the questions will be asked to me)," he said.

However, he clarified that he would only "commit and say yes only if my schedules will permit".

Marcos Jr.'s attendance means that the SMNI's event will be a one-on-one battle between him and another presidential aspirant, labor leader Leody de Guzman. Other leading presidential candidates have declined to participate in the SMNI event, the owner of which is being hounded by controversy.

SMNI is the broadcasting arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, owned by self-proclaimed "appointed son of God" Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Quiboloy recently publicly endorsed Marcos Jr.'s candidacy.

Reacting to his rivals' absence in the debate, Marcos Jr. said: "Maybe each of them has good reason to skip the event. I respect their decisions as I felt they have respected mine when I failed to attend similar forum in the past."

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos attendance SMNI leody de guzman presidential debate 21522
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