MANILA, Philippines?Liberal Party senatorial bet Dr. Martin Bautista said Tuesday that Senate president Juan Ponce-Enrile should no longer seek re-election to give way to ?young blood? in the chamber who could start genuine reform in the country.

?Senator Enrile, iginagalang ko po ang inyong age at talino sa 44 taong nagsilbi kayo sa gobyerno pero sa tingin ko po, dapat pagbigyan ninyo naman po yung mga bago na makaupo rin sa Senado (Senator Enrile, I respect your age and wisdom given your over 44 years in public service but I believe it is time for new candidates to be in the Senate),? Bautista said during the Kapihan forum at the Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila.

Enrile, who was also present at the forum, replied by challenging the younger senatorial bet to run with him and see who would win based on the Filipinos? will.

?In the May elections, I suggest that you run with me. I am unsure if kaya mo akong sabayan (I am unsure if you can keep pace with me),? Enrile added.

Meanwhile, Rodolfo ``Ompong?? Plaza who is also running for senator under the Nacionalista Party like Enrile, lashed out at Bautista for attacking a personality to gain advantage and ?dignify his person.?

?That statement is uncalled for? He can?t decide who will run. Every Filipino has a right to elect whom they want to,? said Plaza.