Leni on Otso Diretso – Hugpong senatorial debate: Let’s get it on

Vice President Leni Robredo (left) and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (File photos from Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday said she is still hoping that the proposed debate between opposition senatorial candidate under the opposition’s Otso Diretso banner and pro-administration rivals form Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s  Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) party would eventually materialize.

Duterte-Carpio said that she is also supporting the debate,  although in a more orderly manner.

“Ako… ako, sana matuloy. Dahil iyong mga debate naman, ito iyong pagkakataon para makita ng mga botante side by side iyong mga kandidato at maintindihan kung saan sila tumatayo pagdating sa mga issues,” Robredo told reporters in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

(I hope it pushes through. Because debates will give voters a better picture and understanding of the candidates and their stand on various issues.)

Robredo said that debates reveal a side of the candidate apart from the usual stage ‘talents’.

“Kasi kung hindi debate, paminsan dinadaan sa kanta, dinadaan sa sayaw, na hindi mo… Parang napakahirap botohan iyong kandidato na hindi mo alam kung saan siya tumatayo pagdating sa mga mahahalagang issues na kailangang harapin,” she explained.

(Minus a debate, some candidates resort to song and dance numbers.  It will be very tough to vote for candidates without knowing where they stand on key national issues.) / gsg

READ: Robredo: Debates give voters better foundation for voting