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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Sotto, Lacson ready to face rivals in upcoming debates

Sotto, Lacson ready to face rivals in upcoming debates

Published Feb 23, 2022 03:00 pm

Vice presidential candidate Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday said he is more than prepared to face his rivals in upcoming debates as it would give him a better chance to lay out the Lacson-Sotto tandem's plans to uplift the lives of Filipinos.

Even before announcing their political plans for the May 2022 polls, Sotto said that he, and running mate presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, has been hinting about their platform of government in August 2021.

“Sa amin kasi for ilang months na ito, August pa of 2021 sinasabi na namin mga gusto naming gawin. Kaya natutuwa ako lately narinig ko ibang kandidato sinasabi ang sinasabi namin. Na-echo nila (This has been going on for months already. We have been telling the people what our plans are for the people as early as August 2021. That’s why I am glad that our opponents have been also saying what we said. They are echoing are advocacies),” Sotto said.

At the same time, Sotto confirmed he will be participating in the upcoming presidential debates to be hosted by CNN Philippines this coming Saturday, February 26.

Aside from Sotto, six other VP candidates confirmed their attendance, namely former Rep. Walden Bello, Manny SD Lopez, Rizalito David, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, Carlos Serapio, and Dr. Willie Ong.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Rep. Lito Atienza will not attend the event.

The same network will also host the presidential debate on Sunday, February 27, with nine of the 10 candidates expressing their willingness to participate.

They are Lacson, Leody de Guzman, Ernesto Abella, Jose Montemayor Jr., Norberto Gonzales, Sen. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, Faisal Mangondato, Manila City mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and Vice President Leni Robredo.

Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is said to be the only presidential candidate to skip the debate citing conflict of schedule.

The Senate leader reiterated that public debates are the best forum in which candidates can convince voters, since it will bring out the best, or the worst, in them.

Moreover, people can have a better appreciation of a candidate’s perspective once they watch the debates, Sotto said.

For his part, Lacson said debates bring out the true character of a candidate especially when asked abrupt questions.

“Bukod sa (Aside from) knowledge, ang lumalabas sa (what comes out from a) debate and forum, character. Lalo ang biglaang tanong (especially when one is asked with an abrupt question)," Lacson said.

Related Tags

Tito Sotto May 2022 elections CNN Philippines presidential debates ping lacson
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