Let’s face it, many of us can relate to presidential candidate and Davao Ciy Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who says he got bored during the first presidential debate at Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City last Feb 21.
The next presidential debate is set on Sun, Mar 20, at the University of San Carlos, Cebu City. It’s being hosted by TV5 and The Philippine Star.
“When asked about the debate, Duterte said there is no sense arguing with other contenders if they would only be bragging about a city or a platform. He was apparently referring to Vice President Jejomar Binay’s ‘Ganito kami sa Makati (We’re like this in Makati)’ spiels and Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas’ ‘Daang matuwid (straight path)’ pronouncements,” reports Robertzon Ramirez in The Philippine Star.
Duterte stated, “I might (attend the debate). But if I would just be hearing (those claims), I’d rather sleep. What is there to debate about Makati and daang matuwid?”
Later on he joked, “Ayaw ko na… naubusan na ako ng barong (No, I’ve run out of barongs).”
The report noted: “Duterte said what happened during the first presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro City was more of cornering the candidates on the issues raised against them and not an exercise to allow candidates to express themselves and talk on the platforms they would implement if elected on May 9. “
Despite Duterte’s jokes, his executive assistant Bong Go gave assurance that the mayor would attend the second debate in Cebu City. Go said, “He will attend. He is always ready to answer all the questions with his stored knowledge with or without preparations.”
