MANILA, Philippines?Administration vice-presidential candidate Edu Manzano on Wednesday lashed out at critics who were carping about his snub of last Sunday's ABS-CBN vice presidential debate.

"The candidates were throwing mud at one another. Do you call that a debate? They were dredging up one another's dirt. Is that a debate? They didn't present any platform of government to better the lot of the people. Is that what they call a debate?'' he said at the launch of the "Gibo Multipliers Movement'' in a Quezon City park.

Manzano was apparently riled by criticism that he skipped the debate while six of his rivals?Senators Manuel Roxas II and Loren Legarda, Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, Fernando Bayani, Jay Sonza and Perfecto Yasay Jr.?showed up.

In the debate, Roxas traded barbs with Legarda over his vote for the expanded value-added tax, and her advocacy for the environment, among others. Binay tangled with Bayani over local issues.

The 54-year-old Manzano said he had explained to the organizers that he was barnstorming Pangasinan and Tarlac that day.

"I went to the market, visited different organizations, met with barangays leaders. My friends, life doesn't revolve around debates,'' he said. "Gibo Teodoro has proved that after the forums he's the most competent and most qualified candidate.''

"I've been to such forums or debates. Should your life stop because there's a call from a radio station, there's a call from a TV station? Hungry people don't own TV sets. They may have even pawned their radio sets to put food on the table,'' he added.

Manzano, a former Makati City vice mayor, said he preferred the traditional campaign where he had to get off his vehicle, mingle with the people and chat with them.

"I'm used to approaching people and looking them in the eye, and ask what help can we offer. The needs of Manila are different from the needs of Pangasinan, of Agusan del Norte, Iloilo. It's better to meet people in person, and craft your platform or program based on what they say, and not on what the best writers write,'' he said.

Manzano also revealed to the crowd that he nearly agreed to run for senator where he had better chances of winning, but decided to run with Teodoro.

"But rendering genuine public service isn't for one?s self only. We should not make a living out of our office. Some are running because of the power and money. That's not my intention. My intention is to serve the country,'' he said.