BILANG PILIPINO | Four presidential candidates snub debate hosted by Quiboloy’s SMNI network

February 14, 2022 , 06:14 PM

By Clarist Zablan

(February 14, 2022) – Four leading presidential candidates on Monday opted to skip the debates to be hosted by a media organization owned by President Rodrigo Duterte’s spiritual advisor for various reasons after the religious group leader who called himself “appointed son of god” had openly endorsed the son and namesake of the late dictator.

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) had sent out invitations to all presidential candidates for a debate on Tuesday.

The world eight division boxing champion and Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao declined the invitation, citing Quiboloy’s indictment in the U.S. for human trafficking and sexual crimes.

“I cannot, in good conscience, be part of any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who unconsciously used the name of the Lord in vain for religious scams,” Pacquiao, a born-again Christian pastor, said in a statement.

Pacquiao said he had also filed a cyber libel complaint against Quiboloy and his attendance to the SMNI-sponsored event might influence the criminal case.

He sued Quiboloy who said on air the senator had misused the funds for an unfinished sports facility in his bailiwick in Sarangani.

Vice President and opposition leader Leonor Robredo also declined the invitation due to prior commitment, her spokesman Barry Gutierrez said. He dismissed speculation that the broadcast network’s political affiliation discouraged Robredo from showing up in the debate.

“Leni Robredo has a proven track record of attending debates and interviews regardless of the personal histories or affiliations of its sponsors,” Gutierrez said. “Unfortunately, the VP already has a long standing commitment to meet with leaders and supporters in Panay Island on the date this event was scheduled.”

Another senator, Panfilo Lacson, also declined, saying Quiboloy has already endorsed a presidential bet, former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. His running mate and Senate President Vicente Sotto III is also skipping SMNI’s vice presidential debates a week after for the same reason.

“With all due respect and giving regard to common sense, SP Tito Sotto and I are skipping the SMNI debates. The network’s chairman, Pastor Quiboloy has already openly endorsed his preferred presidential and vice-presidential candidates,” Lacson said on Twitter.

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso will also skip the debate as he is currently campaigning in Samar and Leyte, SMNI News confirmed.

Only Marcos Jr. and left-wing labor leader Leody de Guzman have confirmed attendance.

De Guzman said he was undeterred by Quiboloy’s links with Marcos Jr, saying the public needs to hear the platforms of candidates to help them make informed choices in the elections.

“Tutuloy ako sa SMNI debates kahit tila dumadayo ako sa home court ni Marcos Jr,” he said. “Bilang kandidato, obligasyon kong ilahad ang aking plataporma sa lahat ng botante, kasama ang mga nanlalait sa pagtakbo ng isang labor leader sa pagkapangulo.”

Based on SMNI’s promotional video, the presidential debate also included Duterte’s former spokesman Ernesto Abella, and former defense secretary Norberto Gonzales.

Marcos Jr was avoiding reputable news media invitations to appear in a debate or a forum. He begged off from an interview with GMA 7’s Jessica Soho and was a no show at the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) forum. He will again skip the debate sponsored by CNN Philippines on Sunday. Nine other candidates have confirmed attendance to the event.

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