MANILA, Philippines — The absence of Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) candidates in the supposed debate against opposition bets at Plaza Miranda put its chairperson Sara Duterte in an “embarrassing position.”

This was the statement of opposition bet Erin Tañada on Monday after no one from the HNP appeared in the scheduled debate.

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“That’s for their side to answer. They’re putting Sara Duterte in an embarrassing position,” Tañada said when asked to comment on Hugpong’s no-show at the event.

Otso Diretso candidates earlier challenged the administration bets to discuss pressing issues in the country in a debate, which Duterte accepted.

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

Five candidates from the opposition arrived in Quiapo for the debate on Monday — Gary Alejano, Chel Diokno, Pilo Hilbay, Romulo Macalintal, and Erin Tañada.

The HNP party is currently in a campaign caravan in Bulacan and Valenzuela. /ee

READ: Otso Diretso sets date, place of debate with Hugpong

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