(UPDATE) Presidential candidates Leni Robredo, Isko Moreno, Panfilo Lacson, and Manny Pacquiao said Monday they would skip the debate hosted by SMNI, the broadcasting arm of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy who is wanted in the U.S. for alleged human trafficking.
Lacson cited Quiboloy's endorsement of candidates and "common sense" for his plans to skip the debate with his running mate Sen. Vicente Sotto III. Quiboloy has endorsed the tandem of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte for president and vice president respectively.
"The network’s chairman, Pastor Quiboloy has already openly endorsed his preferred presidential and vice-presidential candidates," Lacson said.
READ: Looking for Quiboloy? FBI 'Wanted' Is Ready for Meet-Ups
Pacquiao meanwhile cited the charges faced by Quiboloy in the U.S. for his refusal, as well as his pending cyberlibel complaint against the pastor.
"I cannot, in good conscience, be part of any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who unconscionably used the name of the Lord in vain for religious scams," Pacquiao said.
Last year, Pacquiao filed a P100-million cyberlibel complaint against Quiboloy for allegedly spreading lies against him.
READ: Pacquiao Sues Pastor Quiboloy for Libel, Seeks P100 Million in Damages
Robredo's lawyer Barry Gutierrez said the vice president had other commitments on the day of the debates.
"She will be unable to attend this privately sponsored event, but will definitely be present for all the upcoming COMELEC sponsored and accredited debates," he said.
Moreno can't join the debates because of his full schedule in Samar, Aksyon Demokratiko's party chairman Ernest Ramel told reportr.
The four presidential candidates have attended presidential forums and interviews hosted by different groups.
The SMNI debate is scheduled on Tuesday, Feb. 15.
Survey frontrunner Bongbong Marcos has confirmed his attendance at the event after declining forums and interviews organized by GMA News, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasterng Pilipinas, and CNN Philippines.
Labor leader Leody de Guzman will also attend the debate in person.
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