Hugpong bets skip Plaza Miranda debate set by Otso Diresto

Senatorial candidates from the administration-backed Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) slate on Monday didn't show up at the debate that the Otso Diretso opposition ticket had set at noontime in Plaza Miranda.

Only opposition candidates Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano, former Quezon Representative Erin Tañada, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, and election lawyer Romulo Macalintal showed up at the debate venue.

Three Otso Diretso candidates were also no-shows at the event. They are Senator Bam Aquino, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Samira Gutoc.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, campaign manager of the HNP slate, had said in general terms that candidates endorsed by the HNP were willing to take on debates

HNP candidates including former presidential adviser for political affairs Francis Tolentino and former journalist Jiggy Manicad also earlier said they are ready to participate in any debate.

Not one HNP-endorsed candidate showed up at the debate set by their opponents in Manila.

The HNP slate was scheduled to hold a campaign sortie in Meycauayan, Bulacan and Dalandanan, Valenzuela City on Monday.

Hilbay said the absence of the administration senatorial candidates in the debate challenge shows they had no interest in facing them and the people.

"Ang objective naman talaga nitong debate na ito na tinanggap nila ay humarap kaming lahat sa taumbayan. Hindi kami 'yung tinalikuran dito," Hilbay said.

Macalintal said it was up to the administration candidates to set the place and time if they wanted to debate at another opportunity.

"Bagamat hindi sila dumating ngayon, hinahamon pa rin namin sila. Sila na ang magtakda ng araw, sila na ang magtakda ng oras, sila na ang magtakda ng lugar," Macalintal said. —KG/NB, GMA News