Why Marcos Skips Debates? Filipinos Tired of Bickering, Says Spokesman

Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos will not attend any debate or forum with fellow presidential candidates if it's only meant to pit them against each other, his spokesperson said Wednesday, claiming Filipinos are now averse to infighting.

Marcos is not avoiding the media, said Vic Rodriguez, who's also his chief of staff. Rodriguez cited the former senator's attendance in a two-hour live interview with DZRH and a pre-recorded sit-down with celebrity host Boy Abunda.

He declined to be interviewed by GMA News' Jessica Soho, accusing the Peabody award-winner of being "biased" against the Marcos family. He also skipped a forum by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.

"Kung ang direksyon lamang ay pag-away-awayin ang kandidato, I tell you now, hindi kami sasali dahil nirerespeto namin ang sentimiyento ng sambayanang Pilipino," Rodriguez told ANC in an interview.

"Pagod na ang tao, ang daming walang trabaho, ang daming underemployed. Ayaw na ng Pilipino ng awayan. Ang kailangan nilang marinig, bakit kita iboboto, ano ang solusyon mo sa problemang kinahaharap ng ating bansa?" he added.

According to Rodriguez, when a person is applying for the highest position in the land, he will not be quarreling with the hiring manager or his fellow applicants.

"It should be a presidential interview other than a debate. Hindi ka naman makikipagtalo sa magiging mga amo mo," he said.

"Magpapa-interview ka, and let your bosses or management choose among the best, and let them decide. Hindi yung makikipagtalo ka sa management or sa kapwa natin aplikante," he added. Marcos skipped the KBP forum citing conflict of schedule, which was later revealed to be another sit-down interview with broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas.

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