Four presidential candidates—Senators Panfilo Lacson and Emmanuel Pacquiao, Vice President Leni Robredo, and Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso—have said they would not attend the presidential debates today hosted by the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) of controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
In a tweet, Lacson said he and his running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, would skip the debates as Quiboloy already endorsed other candidates for the coming elections.
Quiboloy had endorsed the candidacy of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte for the May 2022 polls—both frontrunners in different pre-election surveys done by legitimate companies.
Pacquiao also declined to join the debates because of Quiboloy, who faces charges in the United States and is wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“As much as I would like to participate in every debate and public forum related to my bid for the presidency, I am compelled to decline the invitation of SMNI, which is owned by Apollo Quiboloy, who, according to the US government, has molested and abused children,” Pacquiao said in a statement.
He refrained from saying Quiboloy has not been convicted.
“I cannot, in good conscience, be part of any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who unconscionably used the name of the Lord in vain for religious scams,” added the evangelical Christian.
Pacquiao also said he had a pending cyber-libel complaint against Quiboloy. It would thus be better if he did not attend the debates organized by his network.
On the other hand, Robredo’s spokesperson lawyer Barry Gutierrez said the Vice President “has a longstanding commitment to meet with leaders and supporters in Panay Island on the date this event was scheduled.”
“Leni Robredo has a proven track record of attending debates and interviews regardless of the personal histories or affiliations of its sponsors … She will be unable to attend this privately sponsored event, but will definitely be present for all the upcoming Comelec-sponsored and accredited debates,” Gutierrez said in a statement.
In the case of the Manila chief executive, Lito Banayo, his campaign manager told GMA News Online: “Yes, he is not going to the SMNI debate. We are on a swing of the Samar provinces today and [tomorrow], returning on Wed the 16th.”
“Isko is also on a nostalgic visit to his late mother’s hometown of Allen in Northern Samar tomorrow,” he added.
But presidential aspirant and labor leader Leody de Guzman agreed to participate in the debate that would be held at Okada Manila in Parañaque.
De Guzman said he agreed to participate even if it meant going to Marcos’ “home court.”
“As a candidate, I am obliged to present my platform to all the voters. Even those dismissive of a labor leader running for the presidency,” he said in a statement in Tagalog.
Meanwhile, seven of 10 presidential candidates have confirmed their participation in the Church-based online forum which started on Monday.
In an interview, Bro. Clifford Sorita, one of the organizers of the Catholic E-Forum, said those expected to participate in the one-on-one interview for those running for the highest post in the land were de Guzman, Domagoso, former national security adviser Norberto Gonzales, Lacson, Dr. Jose Montemayor Jr., Pacquiao, and Robredo.
De Guzman was the first candidate interviewed, while Montemayor would have his chance to present his platform on Tuesday.
The Catholic E-forum is featured in the Barangay Simbayanan from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. with Veritas anchors Angelique Lazo and Rev. Fr. Jerome Secillano through Radio Veritas 846.
Sorita said presidential bets Faisal Mangondato, former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, and former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., had also been invited to the event.
“They have informed us that they received the invite and will communicate their response,” Sorita said.
He said invitations were sent to the national candidate two weeks ago.
Aside from the presidential bets, vice-presidential and senatorial candidates have been invited to the church-based program.
The interviews for presidential candidates will be from February 14 to 28.
Meanwhile, VP bets will be interviewed from March 1 to 15 while those who are running for the senatorial seats will have their chance to present their platforms from March 16 to April 29.
Those who are running for the second highest seat in the country are former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Walden Bello, Rizalito David, Davao
City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Manny Lopez, Dr. Willie Ong, Kiko Pangilinan, Carlos Serapio and Senator Tito Sotto.
There are 64 candidates running for the 12 senatorial seats.
Sorita believed it was important for those running for public office to attend such forums for the public to know more about the candidates.
“Attending a public forum is crucial in public accountability, especially when you are seeking the highest position in the country. The Church is non-partisan thus it is important that everyone has an equal opportunity to be heard and to be asked on crucial issues concerning the country,” Sorita said.
Aside from Radio Veritas, the public may also catch the program at Radio Veritas Facebook Page, Radio Veritas Asia, TV Maria, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila-Archdiocesan Office of Communications (RCAM-AOC) Catholic Media Network, Skycable Channel 211, and other Social Communications Ministry of the Catholic Church.
It is also being presented by the Episcopal Commission on Social Communications and Permanent Committee on Public Affairs of the
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
