President Benigno S. Aquino III with Liberal Party (LP) standard bearers Mar Roxas and Leni Robredo are greeted by supporters outside the Manila Cathedral as they walk to Commission on Election building to file their Certificate of Candidacy, Thursday, (October 15). Tomorrow, Friday, (October 16) is the deadline of filing of candidacy for the 2016 elections. (MNS photo)
LEYTE, Dec 21 (Mabuhay) – Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas is far from done with his tirades against fellow presidential candidate, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
In his visit to Baybay, Leyte Sunday, Roxas taunted Duterte for “backing out” from his challenge of settling their feud through a debate, fistfight or a slapping match.
“Hamon sa sampalan, umurong; hamon sa suntukan, umurong; hamon sa debate, umurong. Ang lider ng ating bansa hindi umuurong sa hamon, hinaharap ito,” Roxas insisted.
Roxas’ criticism of the peace and order in Davao sparked a bitter word war with Duterte. The seven-term mayor has accused Roxas of falsely claiming that he is a graduate of the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
What followed was a mutual challenge to slap each other if one of them was proven wrong. Roxas also dared Duterte to a fistfight and debate.
In the interview, Roxas stressed that he was able to disprove Duterte’s accusation regarding his academic credentials.
The administration’s bet said the Wharton School itself confirmed that he finished his undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Science in Economics, major in Finance from the school in 1979.
Roxas also challenged Duterte anew to a debate, saying they must discuss their plans as presidential aspirants.
“This is not about you or me, Digong. Level up please… Tungkol ito sa buhay, kinabukasan ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi tama na dadaanin na lang ito [sa] mga patutsada, sa mga istilo na pasiga-siga na wala din naman, uurungan mo din naman,” he said.
Several personalities, including former President Fidel Ramos, earlier reminded the candidates that subscribing to petty measures like the threats of violence will not resolve the country’s problems. (MNS)