CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – The presidential debate barely even started but Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas immediately took a swipe at his rivals in his opening statement.
Roxas spent his 60 seconds–the time allotted for each candidate to deliver an opening message–hitting back at Vice President Jejomar Binay, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Grace Poe.
In his brief speech, Roxas said electing the country’s leader is like a father choosing a person who can drive for his children safely.
“Kanino niyo pagkakatiwala kaligtasan ang mga anak niyo? Sa isang taong may kaso ng pagnanakaw? Sa isang mainitin ang ulo na maaaring maaksidente? Sa isang ngayon pa lang natututong magmaneho?”
“O ipagkakaloob natin sa matagal na niyong kilala at matagal nang naninilbihan at ni minsan hindi kayo pinahamak o pinagsamantalahan at may magandang rekomendasyon pa sa dati nyang pinagtrabahuan?” said Roxas.
“Buo ang loob ko sa inyong pagpapasya,” Roxas said, as he exceeded the time limit.
Binay is currently facing a slew of corruption charges while Duterte is being criticized for his tolerance for violence. Poe’s bid for presidency, meanwhile, is being questioned for her perceived inexperience.
