Robredo favors face-to-face presidential debate for Eleksyon 2022

Vice President Leni Robredo, the standard bearer of the opposition, on Wednesday said she favors having face-to-face presidential debates for the May 2022 elections.

During a press conference in Naga City, Robredo was asked for her thoughts on Senator Manny Pacquiao pushing for a face-to-face presidential debate amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robredo said she agrees with Pacquiao, noting that issues are expounded in face-to-face discussions than online debates. It was not specified during the press briefing what issues Robredo wants to focus on during the debates.

"Agree naman ako sa kanya...na maganda talaga 'yung face-to-face na debate and tingin ko, ngayon kasi hindi pa naman official campaign period, dapat talaga face-to-face para 'yung mga issues natutuldukan habang magkakasama kayo sa isang event," Robredo said.

(I agree with Sen. Manny Pacquiao because issues are better addressed during face-to-face debates.)

"Kasi mahirap kung ang debate social media, mahirap kung 'yung debate nagsasagutan lang kasi hindi nabibigyan ng linaw 'yung lahat ng issues, hindi sabay-sabay 'yung pagbibigay ng mga kandidato ng pakiramdam nila about certain issues," she added.

(It's difficult if debates are conducted online as issues are not thoroughly discussed. Candidates are not giving their opinions on certain issues at the same time.)

Robredo said she is looking forward to having face-to-face debates soon.

For his part, Pacquiao, who is also running for president in the coming elections, had said he is ready for a face-to-face debate as he is ready for anything and that he is not hiding something from the public.

He said he would highlight the anti-corruption drive, economic growth and development, employment, livelihood, healthcare, and housing during the presidential debate.

Meanwhile, presidential aspirants Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, labor leader Leody de Guzman, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno are all open to having face-to-face debates, according to a report by Sandra Aguinaldo on GMA's Unang Balita on Wednesday.

—AOL/KG, GMA News