Manila mayoral candidate Sam Verzosa stated that he is open to participating in a debate with rival Isko Moreno if he receives an invitation.

"Kung magkakaroon man ng debate, handa po tayo na lumaban at sumagot. (If there is a debate, we are ready to fight and respond)," said Sam when asked if he was willing to debate during the Kamuning Bakery Pandesal Forum in Quezon City on April 15.

Sam added: "Kailangan magkaroon ng forum o talakayan para malaman ng mga tao ang plani ng bawa't isa. Importante yan na makilala ng mga tao ang mga kandidato at ang kanilang mga plano. Bukod doon sa salita, maramdaman nila kami. (There should be a forum or discussion so people can know each other's plans. It's important for people to get to know the candidates and their plans. Aside from words, they should feel us.)

"Marami ang magagaling magsalita at matatamis ang mga dila. Sasabihin lang nila yung gusot ninyong marinig. Pero noong nabigyan naman sila ng pagkakataon, hindi naman ginagawa. (Many are good speakers and have sweet tongues. They will only say what you want to hear. But when they are given the opportunity, they don't do it.)

"Kaya importanteng malaman ng tao kung sino ang nagsasabi ng totoo at tapat sa mga Manileno. Sana magkaroon ng debate. Hindi ko po aatrasan yan. Anytime, anywhere, haharapin ko si Isko (Moreno) sa isang debate. (That's why it's important for people to know who is telling the truth to Manilenos. I hope there will be a debate. I won't hold back on that)," said Sam during a media conference with the entertainment editors.

The former congressman and television personality added: "Sana huwag siyang umatras para sa matalinong debate. Hindi ito personalan. Ito po ay para sa kinabukasan ng mga Manileno para pag-usapan ang mga plano namin at ano ang kaya namin gawin. Ano ang kaibahan mo sa dati at masagot na lahat ng mga issue sa Maynila. Sana huwag siyang umurong at harapin natin ang mga Manilenyo. (I hope he doesn't back down for an intelligent debate. This is not personal. This is for the future of Manilenos to discuss our plans and what we can do. What makes you different from the past and to answer all the issues in Manila. I hope he doesn't back down and let's face the Manilenos.)

Sam also said that he feels elated as he continues to surge in the latest surveys for preferred mayoral candidate in Manila. "Konting kembot na lang. Maraming salamat sa inyong tiwala. Gusto ko lang sabihin na iaalay ko ang lahat ng nasa akin para sa lahat ng Manilenyo. Wala akong plano bumawi once elected. Hindi ko kailangan ang yaman ng Maynila dahil hindi sa pagyayabang, lubos-lubos na po ang biyaya ko mula sa itaas. Gusto kong naman i-share kung ano ang meron ako sa mga taga Manilenyo at makapag-silbi ng buong puso. (Thank you very much. I just want to say that I will dedicate everything I have for all the people of Manila. I have no plans to take it back once elected. I don't need the wealth of Manila because it's not for bragging, I have been blessed from above. I want to share what I have with the people of Manila and serve them with all my heart.)"