Marcos camp slams Pacquiao over debate question request

The camp of presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. criticized Senator Manny Pacquiao for calling on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reject requests for advance debate questions.

Marcos' spokesperson, Vic Rodriguez, described Pacquiao's stance as "misplaced bravery" and suggested candidates should expect rigorous questioning.

Rodriguez implied Pacquiao had opportunities to debate during his Senate term but avoided them.

Pacquiao's legal counsel, Nikki de Vega, responded that the senator was "stating the obvious" and emphasizing that a true leader must be courageous and prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people over personal interests.

De Vega contrasted applying for a job, which focuses on self-interest, with running for president, where the people's welfare should be the priority.

She added that demanding advance questions exposes a candidate's true motive.

Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio, have largely abstained from organized presidential debates, with the exception of the SMNI debate.