Roxas tells Duterte: Man up, honor word
Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas tells Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to “man up” in a press conference at the Fontana Convention Center, Clark Field in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. JULLIANE LOVE DE JESUS/INQUIRER.net
CLARK FIELD, Pampanga -The third and last presidential debate on Sunday exposed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s incapability to lead the country, said Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas.
Roxas said his verbal clash with Duterte over the beneficiaries of PhilHealth insurance in Davao City has revealed the mayor’s true character.
“You know, for me, this reveals about who he is. Nakikita dito kung sino siya. Nakikita dito ‘yung kabulukan, ‘yung kawalang laman ng kanyang katayuan. Daldal ng daldal, dakdak ng dakdak. Mga controversial statements,” Roxas said
“Pero sa dulo, wala namang laman. Magsasabi ng isang bagay, pag pinakitaan mo ng facts, iinsultuhin ka, mumurahin ka, tapos papalitan ang istorya. Lilipat sa ibang topic. Magmumura na naman or magsasabi ng controversial dito. Pag pinakitaan mo ng facts, lilipat na naman sa iba. ‘Yan ba ang uri ng pamumuno na maghahatid sa atin sa kaginhawahan?” he said.
Roxas was referring to their heated discussion of the PhilHealth benefits in Davao City, which Duterte questioned during the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-organized debate held in Dagupan City.
Article continues after this advertisementThe administration bet challenged Duterte to back out of the presidential race if he could give him names and hospitals that benefitted from the government’s health insurance.
Article continues after this advertisementDuterte accepted the dare.
As of Monday afternoon, Roxas said his camp sent the list of beneficiaries to Duterte’s camp. The mayor has not issued a statement yet.
Asked what would be his next move once Duterte gets the list, Roxas said he would remind Duterte to man up.
“Ire-remind ko lang sa kanya, mag-man up ka. Kung hindi naman, eh di makikita kung anong klaseng tao siya. Lahat naman ng karanasan ko sa kanya, ganoon lang eh,” he said.
Roxas recalled the time when he accepted Duterte’s dare to a slapping match. He said he gave his address but Duterte did not show up and made excuses instead.
The LP bet said Duterte’s attitude is not fit for someone who is seeking the highest post in the land.
“And you know what? This is dangerous for our country. Magiging pangulo ka. Ambisyon mong maging pangulo. Tumatakbo ka sa pagka-pangulo,” he said.
