Otso Diretso bets want debate with opponents on key issues
Credit to Author: mfrialde| Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2019 04:04:19 +0000
MANILA, Philippines — Otso Diretso opposition senatorial candidates on Wednesday challenged pro-administration and survey-leading senatorial bets to a debate on key national issues.
READ: Hugpong shuns opposition’s ‘attacks’ anew, to focus on campaign
Speaking at a press conference, election lawyer Romy Macalintal said they are willing to face administration-backed senatorial candidates at a debate in Quezon City next Wednesday.
Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc said she would like to meet her fellow women candidates, as well as those who are topping the recent election surveys, to know their stands on vital national issues.
“I’d like to see the women candidates and I’d like to see where they stand on issues… Kung top performer sa survey dapat top performer din sa debate,” Gutoc told reporters.
Human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, who had faced-off with former Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos in a television debate, said they should continue their debate soon.
“Maganda siguro na ituloy namin ni Gov. Imee ‘yung debate,” he said.
Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano and former Solicitor General Pilo Hilbay also said they are willing to engage their opponents in a debate.
Former congressman Erin Tañada and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas were absent during the press briefing.
On Monday, Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) founder and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said they would not engage in politicking against rivals and would instead focus on presenting its campaign platforms. /muf
READ: Hugpong slams Otso Diretso for negative campaigning
This came after the Otso Diretso coalition criticized some candidates from the administration’s slate and those being backed by the HNP who have been accused of corruption, as well as those who have installed huge billboards and some who made movies about their lives. /muf
READ: Otso Diretso bets throw shade vs competitors: ‘Hindi kami magnanakaw’
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