1 IS TO 8 Sara Duterte challenges Otso Diretso bets to debate

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Friday challenged Otso Diretso's eight-man senatorial slate to a debate, saying it would be "more interesting."

Sara Duterte, the feisty daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, issued the challenge after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) thumbed down the opposition candidates' request for it to moderate a debate between them and members of the administration coalition Hugpong ng Pagbabago (NHP).


"I have no opinion on the Comelec decision. I think it is more interesting to watch Inday Sara vs. eight of them," said Sara Duterte, who heads the HNP. "Kami na lang [ang mga-debate], 1 is to 8."

The Comelec, in rejecting Otso Diretso's request, argued that it has no time to facilitate such debate and that moderating a debate between the administration and opposition slates would be unfair to other candidates who do not belong to either party.

'Disservice to Filipino people'

Otso Diretso's members lamented the poll body's decision, with former Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano calling it "a disservice to the Filipino people."

"The failure of the Comelec to provide a venue for voters to hear the platform and stand on issues of the candidates on important policies is a disservice to the Filipino people," he said.

"Ang desisyong ito ay talaga namang pabor sa mga umiiwas sa makabuluhang debate. Congratulations, you were saved by the bell," Alejano added, addressing HNP members.

Other members — election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Senator Bam Aquino and former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada — issued statements echoing Alejano.