Miriam to attend final presidential debate

Ron Gagalac, ABS-CBN News

Posted at 18 Apr 2016 03:10 PM

BULACAN - Presidential candidate and Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said she will attend the final Commission on Elections (Comelec) presidential debate to be hosted by ABS-CBN on Sunday, April 24.

"Oh yeah I will be there!" Santiago told reporters after delivering her speech during the commencement exercise at the Bulacan State University in Malolos, where she was invited to be the guest of honor and speaker.

Miriam to attend the last presidential debate Sunday, called on rivals to stop mudslinging #Halalan2016 pic.twitter.com/D97xCg5ujg — Ron Gagalac (@rongagalac) April 18, 2016

Santiago, who missed the Visayas leg of the debates, said she is disappointed with how the past debate was conducted.

"I would like to raise it to a higher level. Nagsisiraan lang ng nagsisiraan ang mga kandidato," said Santiago, running mate of vice-presidential bet Senator Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.

Santiago believes the last debate should highlight the candidate's competency to address local and foreign issues that affect the country.

"Gusto ko sana yung discussion ng ating mga domestic issues and even international policies," she said.

She also believes mudslinging has no place in what is supposed to be an intelligent debate. She, however, said if her rivals will hit her below the belt, she will have to fight back, but in a smart and polite way.

"I'll try to rephrase it so it will be polite," Santiago said, smiling.

Santiago was the guest of honor and speaker in the commencement exercise of college students in the state university. Just like in her other visits to other college and universities, she received a rock star treatment.

She advised the graduates to use their right to vote this coming May. She also asked them to carefully weigh their choices.

Santiago also lambasted her rivals, saying they keep on making promises without telling the public how they are going to fulfill it.

Santiago returned to the campaign trail last week. Today's rally is her 3rd straight campaign activity with Marcos.

In a display of her improving condition, Santiago even went up and down the stairs in Baguio. She walks longer now than she does before.

Observers also noted that Santiago's voice is now less shaky.