Presidential aspirant Senator Manny Pacquiao has challenged rival and frequent debate-absentee Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in a one-on-one debate, saying the latter might only feel "shy" about attending a debate that is attended by many.
During his campaign activity in Cavite on Monday, Pacquiao told reporters he is challenging Marcos Jr., the frontrunning presidential bet, in a debate so the people will know both of their platforms.
"Sa akin kung gusto niya.. baka nahihiya siya sa maraming aattend. Okay sa akin magdebate kaming dalawa lang... kaming dalawa lang. Tingnan natin kung ano ang plataporma niya, kung ano ang plataporma ko (I'm ok if he wants to. Perhaps, he feels shy when a debate is participated by many. It's ok for me if only the two of us would engage un a debate. Let's see his platforms and my platforms as well)," he said.
Pacquiao wanted to face off with Marcos Jr. to know if he has "better platforms than" him.
The lawmaker's main platforms are free housing, more job opportunities and sources of income as well as strengthening the economy.
"Iyon ang importante (That's what's important)" Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao's remark came after Marcos Jr., who always rallied for unity as the solution to all the country's problems, said in a state-run PTV4 interview that he ran for presidency because his rivals' platforms are supposedly not well thought of.
The lawmaker said he will not be afraid of answering questions should he face off with Marcos Jr. because he is ready.
Asked what if Marcos Jr. would decline his challenge, he said: "Karapatan niya iyon. Pero ang taumbayan na ang magiisip noon kung bakit siya tatanggi at bakit hindi niya sabihin ang plataporma niya (It's his right. But the people would have to think why he declines and why he doesn't give his platforms)."