Duterte admits Santiago his greatest rival in 1st presidential debate | Inquirer

Duterte admits Santiago his greatest rival in 1st presidential debate

By: - Reporter /
/ 05:06 PM February 21, 2016

BREAK Candidates in light, subdued, interacting mood before debate. PHOTO BY JOHN NERY/

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte embrace warmly as other candidates go thru last-minute preparation.  PHOTO BY JOHN NERY/

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The tough-talking Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte considers Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago as his greatest rival in the first presidential debate here.

“Miriam is bright. All the rest tabla na kami (we are in tie),” Duterte told  less than an hour before the debate.

Article continues after this advertisement

Responding to Duterte’s statements, Santiago said she and feisty mayor “have been friends for a long time.”

FEATURED STORIES

“It’s a comment of a true friend. We have been friends for a long time,” Santiago said.

She said Duterte was one of the sponsors during the 25th wedding anniversary of her and husband Narciso Santiago Jr.

Duterte said he was “excited” for the first presidential debate here for the upcoming 2016 national elections in May.

“I am excited,” the tough-talking mayor said, who arrived here on Sunday morning via a commercial plane.

Article continues after this advertisement

However, given the limited time, Duterte acknowledged that he won’t be able to present his platforms in full.

“You cannot present your platform of government with 60 seconds,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Earlier during the day, candidates were given the chance to have a podium check inside the auditorium, however, Duterte preferred not to attend it.

Peter Laviña, Duterte’s spokesman, said their camp trust the organizers.

“We trust the organizers that the setting is ok and fair to all,” Lavina said. With reports from Frances Mangosing/RAM

RELATED STORIES

Duterte: I won’t let Mindanao down in debate

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the and acknowledge that I have read the .

Duterte: I am the Filipino people’s last card

MOST READ
globalnation
www
business
entertainment
globalnation
globalnation
globalnation
globalnation
business
globalnation
globalnation
TAGS: CDO debate

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the and acknowledge that I have read the .

© Copyright 1997-2025 | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies.