Pimentel: PDP-Laban OK to debate with opposition, but …

Senator Koko Pimentel

MANILA, Philippines – Even though “unnecessary,” a debate between the senatorial candidates of the ruling party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) and those of the opposition was welcome, reelectionist Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Monday.

However, Pimentel said it would pose a “scheduling problem” due to the busy campaign schedule of the administration slate.

“It (debate) is unnecessary but we are willing,” Pimentel, president of the PDP-Laban, said in an interview over the ABS CBN News Channel.

“This is actually a scheduling problem. We have our own PDP-Laban rallies and we are also adopted by the HNP (Hugpong ng Pagbabago) of Mayor Sara Duterte,” he added.

He explained that PDP-Laban had planned some 20 campaign rallies, while the HNP scheduled 110.

Nevertheless, Pimentel said he would assign a party member to coordinate with Otso Diretso to “explore the possibility of a debate.”

He pointed out that the PDP-Laban would not pay for media coverage.

Otso Diretso candidates earlier challenged pro-administration bets to a public debate. They have even asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to facilitate it.

READ: Otso Diretso bets want debate with opponents on key issues

READ: Otso Diretso asks Comelec to facilitate debate with Hugpong

However, the poll body rejected the opposition’s request due to time constraints.

READ: Comelec denies Otso Diretso’s request for debate

The five-man senatorial slate of the PDP-Laban include Pimentel, Dong Mangudadatu, former chief of police Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, former presidential aide Bong Go, and former presidential adviser Francis Tolentino. /cbb