MANILA, Philippines — “Bring it on.”
This is what former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now administration senatorial bet Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Tuesday said about the possibility of a debate with opposition senatorial candidates.
“Hindi nga ako natakot makipag-giyera sa mga NPA (New People’s Army), mga terorista, ‘yan pang debate na hindi naman nakakamatay, bakit ako matakot dyan?,” Dela Rosa said in an interview over ABS CBN News Channel.
Dela Rosa said he is willing to debate “Otso Diretso” candidates “anytime, anywhere.”
“Anytime. Kahit saan. Kahit doon sa loob ng CR magdebate kami, kahit doon sa tuktok ng bundok, hindi ako natakot magdebate,” the former police chief said.
“Never ako aatras sa debate. Kayo aatrasan ko? kahit gaano kayo katalino, hindi naman lahat ng debate nadadaan sa talino, nadadaan din yan sa experience mo sa lupa o kalsada,” Dela Rosa added.
“Otso Diretso” Senate bets earlier challenged their administration-backed opponents to a public debate. They even formally asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to facilitate it. /muf
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