Miriam, Duterte exchange praises, not barbs at debate

While there was sparring among some of the other candidates during Sunday's Pilipinas Debates 2016, there was nothing but love between two bets.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago expressed mutual admiration for each other during the event.

In his opening statement, Duterte said Santiago was one of two candidates qualified to lead the country.

Later, when Santiago was asked about her health, Duterte expressed support for the senator.

"I do not want to engage into an argument with the good Senator Miriam Santiago. She is telling you the truth," Duterte said.

"I do not see Senator Santiago passing away within the next 20 years. So what's the problem?" Duterte added.

Santiago, for her part, also praised Duterte's achievements in battling corruption, her advocacy.

"Graft and corruption is endemic and everybody speaks out but nobody has done much except Mayor Rody Duterte," she said.  —JST, GMA News