Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended his absence in some of the presidential debates and fora organized by television networks.
In a statement, the late dictator’s son said that he was not afraid to face his opponents and any discussions, but it would be dependent on his hectic schedule due to the campaign season.
“Kapag nag-oo ako na sasali ay tutuparin ko kahit sino ang nag-imbita at kahit gaano man ka-hostile ang inaasahan kong mga tanong,” Marcos said in a statement.
“But I commit and say yes only if my schedules permit,” he added.
Netizens were not surprised when CNN Philippines announced that Marcos and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte declined the network’s presidential and vice presidential debates.
The hashtag ‘Ba-Backout Muli’ was also among trending topics taking a swipe on his campaign slogan of ‘Babangon Muli’.
Marcos, meanwhile, confirmed his attendance to the presidential debates that will be hosted by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) that is scheduled on Tuesday night.
Quiboloy was recently among the US FBI Most Wanted list for conspiracy and sex trafficking charges.
“I made a commitment to join the SMNI event and, in fact, I’ve signed the agreement for my attendance,” Marcos said.
Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno decline to attend the SMNI debate.
