MANILA, Philippines — The Otso Diretso candidates want to pursue debates with the administration bets for publicity.

This was the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Sunday when asked on his opinion if Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) could go to a head-to-head debate with the opposition bets.

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“Siguro sila ang tanungin mo niyan hindi ako, pero alam mo, I can understand na ‘yung mga andoon sa kabila na they wanted a debate kasi publicity para sa kanila iyon,” Panelo said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990 AM.

“Eh ito naman sigurong mga andito sa kalaban nila, ayaw din nila kasi ayaw nilang magbigay nang magbigay ng publicity, eh ganoon talaga. Ganyan ang labanan dito sa Pilipinas, matira matibay,” he added.

Otso Diretso first set a debate with HNP candidaTES during the People Power Revolution anniversary last Monday.

READ: Otso Diretso bets want debate with opponents on key issues

However, no one from HNP showed up at the Plaza Miranda for the scheduled debate due to prior schedules related to their campaign rallies.

READ: Tañada slams Hugpong’s absence in debate: ‘You’re embarrassing Sara Duterte’

With this, the opposition once again invited HNP to have a debate, letting the members of the administration slate to set the day, time, and place. /je

READ: Otso Diretso pursues debate with Hugpong: Set time, date, place

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