Presidential bets show support for VPs during debate

MANILA, Philippines – They have been through two widely broadcast debates, the presidential candidates, and are preparing for a 3rd one. On Sunday, April 10, however, it’s the turn of their running mates to slug it out in a debate organized by the Commission on Elections. 

So what’s the standard-bearers to do? At least two of them – United Nationalist Alliance’s Jejomar Binay and PDP-Laban’s Rodrigo Duterte – made sure their support for their vice presidential bets are known.

Vice President Binay literally got out of his way to do this, showing up at the University of Santo Tomas to sit among the audience to cheer for UNA’s Gregorio Honasan. This was not some last-minute decision. As early as Saturday, Binay’s campaign advisory indicated that his Sunday afternoon through evening was blocked for Honasan’s event.

Davao City Mayor Duterte, through his Facebook and Twitter accounts posted shortly before the 5 pm debate: “Handa na ang VP ko! Suportahan natin siya. #cayetanovpko #dutertecayetano”

Handa na ang VP ko! Suportahan natin siya. #cayetanovpko #dutertecayetano https://t.co/Mbvm2kA4Pu

— Rodrigo R. Duterte (@RRD_Davao) April 10, 2016

Liberal Party standard-bearer Manuel Roxas II also tweeted his support for running mate Leni Robredo: “Tiwala lang, @lenirobredo! We’re all rooting for you! #LeniIsMyVP”

Tiwala lang, @lenirobredo! We’re all rooting for you! #LeniIsMyVP pic.twitter.com/EC0nzBUvqA

— Mar Roxas (@MARoxas) April 10, 2016

In contrast, independent presidential candidate Grace Poe said she would only be watching the debate on TV. She was set to go to Las Piñas, where she was to be endorsed by reelectionist Mayor Nene Aguilar at an 8 pm rally.

Earlier, her running mate Francis Escudero said he would get conscious anyway if Poe were watching in the debate hall. 

“Baka pagtawanan lang niya ako eh. Hindi, okay lang naman. Pero siguro baka may ibang lugar din siyang pupuntahan. Dahil, siyempre, kung nasa isang lugar ako at hindi naman siya makakalahok, siguro baka mas gugustuhin at pipiliin niya na nasa ibang lugar [na lang] siya. Saka baka ma-conscious ako ‘pag nandoon si Senator Grace,” Escudero said.

(She might just laugh at me. No, it’s okay, but I think she has other places to go to. Of course, if I’m in a place where she can’t join, she’d rather go to a different place. And I might get conscious if Senator Grace will be there.) – Rappler.com