(May 7, 2021) – In an unexpected change of heart, President Rodrigo Duterte has backed out of the debate with former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio on the West Philippine Sea issue upon the advice of his allies, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced on Friday.
Roque said Duterte accepted the recommendation of his Cabinet after arguing that debating an “ordinary citizen” wouldn’t be proper and that it might affect existing government policies on the West Philippine Sea.
Last Wednesday, it was Duterte who challenged Carpio to a debate, boldly issuing it during his public address. Carpio swiftly accepted the challenge, even urging Duterte to step down as what he had repeatedly bluffed in the past.
The debate with Carpio, however, could still push through after Duterte designated Roque to fill in.
“Tinanggap ko naman ang pagtatalaga ni Presidente. Sabihin lang ng Philippine Bar Association kung kailan, saan ang debate at sisipot tayo roon,” said Roque in a press briefing.
Several senators have already expressed doubts that the debate would properly address the West Philippine Sea issue, adding this could further divide the country on the matter.
“I doubt if the country will benefit from such a debate,” said Senate President Tito Sotto III.
“I could almost imagine the anticipated excitement on the part of the Chinese while watching all these developments as they continue to be busy surveying more shoals within our exclusive economic zone,” said Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
Netizens were quick to react to the pronouncement of Malacañang. As of posting, the hashtag #DuterteDuwag has become the top trending topic in the Philippines with over 3,000 tweets and counting.
Only in the Philippines, where you can back out of a debate you initiated. #DuterteDuwag
— Mac Mac Mac (@macturijatweets) May 7, 2021
It is a shame—the most disgusting form of shame—for an inutile President to debate on our national sovereignty, instead of simply doing the right thing—to fight for it.
But we do not expect any of that from Duterte. He’s nothing but an imperialist puppet.#DuterteDuwag
— Carwyn Candila (@JCRWYN) May 7, 2021
When Roque said they don’t want Duterte to stoop down on Justice Carpios level!
Justice Carpio’s level be like..#DuterteTutaNgChina #DuterteDuwag #DuterteTraydor pic.twitter.com/xhhBeGzr8F
— Bill (@bclntn) May 7, 2021
This is not the first time.#DuterteDuwag
??♂️??♂️#Debate #WestPhilippineSea pic.twitter.com/akEgs1KcB5
— czy (ザイルス ) (@zhai_361) May 7, 2021
How can you trust someone who has no word of honor? Puro salita kulang sa gawa! #DuterteDuwag
— Miya ? (@abnakkbsnplko) May 7, 2021
#DuterteDuwag is the latest hashtag criticizing Duterte that trended on Twitter, following #DutertePalpak, #OustDuterte, and #DuterteResign among others.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), meanwhile, also expressed apprehension on the debate, calling for a more “constructive manner” to discuss the West Philippine Sea issue.
“Let us urge our leaders and those who can contribute solutions to talk and listen, communicate, cooperate, and collaborate, rather than pit one against the other in a public arena,” said IBP president Domingo Cayosa.
(Kiko Demigillo/PM)
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