Binay, Poe, Santiago no-show in presidential debate in Cebu
by Aaron B. Recuenco
November 12, 2015
Students and representatives of various sectors here were disappointed with the non-appearance of three of the four presidentiables they invited for a debate and discussion their respective platforms of government with them.
Tootsie Herrera, the emcee and one of the organizers of the event, told hundreds of students and sectoral representatives who attended the forum at the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu, said the plan was supposed to give all the presidential candidates the opportunity to discuss with them their respective plans for the country.
Presidential candidates Vice President Jejomar Binay, Sen. Grace Poe, administration party standard bearer Mar Roxas, and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago at the 41st Philippine Business Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. (Federico Cruz/Camille Ante)
Presidential candidates Vice President Jejomar Binay, Sen. Grace Poe, administration party standard bearer Mar Roxas, and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago at the 41st Philippine Business Conference at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. (Federico Cruz/Camille Ante)
Students and representatives of various sectors here were disappointed with the non-appearance of three of the four presidentiables they invited for a debate and discussion their respective platforms of government with them.
Tootsie Herrera, the emcee and one of the organizers of the event, told hundreds of students and sectoral representatives who attended the forum at the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu, said the plan was supposed to give all the presidential candidates the opportunity to discuss with them their respective plans for the country.
“It was supposed to be a dialogue with the four presidential candidates but only Mar Roxas was able to join us here now,” she told the crowd.
Roxas, for his part, said he was informed that it was supposed to be a presidential debate and was himself surprised that he was the only one present.
Pat Cerenas, president of the CODE NGO which organized the event, then confirmed they sent out invitation to all the four presidential candidates.
“I think it is just fair for Mar Roxas to tell you about this,” as she explained all the circumstances of yesterday’s supposed presidential forum yesterday.
“We do not know exactly why they are not here,” she added, referring to Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.
Later the emcee explained that Poe will be attending a Senate probe on “tanim-bala” while Santiago has earlier made a commitment for a speaking engagement.
Binay, on the other hand, was reportedly attending another forum also in Cebu.
Binay, Poe, Santiago no-show in presidential debate in Cebu | mb.com.ph | Philippine News