Sen. Manny Pacquiao on Tuesday said he was ready to take on other presidential aspirants in a debate, adding he had nothing to hide in his intention to become the country's next leader.
Pacquiao said he would prefer a face-to-face debate with his rivals instead of a virtual one in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. He was responding to reporters' questions.
The Commission on Election in May said that while there will be a presidential debate in 2022, it could be held in a hybrid setup.
"Personal, face-to-face [dapat]. Bakit online? Natatakot sila? Huwag yung online, para magkaalaman," Pacquiao said in an interview in Baguio City.
"Siyempre gusto nila yan, si Manny Pacquiao ano kaya ang isasagot sa debate? Sinasabi ko naman sa inyo, hindi sa pagyayabang, pero hindi ako papasok dito kung hindi ko alam yung mga gagawin ko," he added.
The boxer-turned-politician said he had nothing to prepare for when he comes to the debate as he was sincere in running for president.
"Wala akong kailangan paghandaan, baka itanong itong bagay na ito na tinatago. Wala akong ganun," he said.
"Ang importante dito ay ipahayag mo yung adhikain mo para sa taumbayan, adhikain mo para sa ating bansa. Malaman ng taumbayan yung plano mo," he added.
Apart from Pacquiao, other personalities who filed their candidacy for president include Vice President Leni Robredo, former Sen. Bongbong Marcos, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, and labor leader Leody De Guzman.
The Comelec is expected to release the final list of candidates in December.
MORE ON MANNY PACQUIAO:
Manny Pacquiao: From Street Kid to Boxing Superstar
Can Manny Pacquiao Govern as President Philippines?
Manny Pacquaio Greatest Fights: Why He's a Boxing Legend
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