Only Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte and his running mate, incumbent senator Alan Peter Cayetano showed up at the #TheLeaderIWant forum that took place today, 3pm at the De La Salle University.
The President-VP forum, #TheLeaderIWant, was hosted by DLSU and media outlet Rappler.
Other presidential candidates, namely Senator Grace Poe, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and Vice President Jejomar Binay, along with their respective running mates, were a no-show at the event.
Netizens showed their dismay at the absence of the other presidential candidates:
#TheLeaderIwant is NOT afraid to appear in forums, debates & willing to engage with citizens. #juanvote
— Noem Lardizabal-Dado (@momblogger) January 20, 2016
Wala eh, si Rodrigo lang umattend sa Presidential Debate sa La Salle. #TheLeaderIWant pic.twitter.com/1F75kCbDbB
— Senyora Santibañez (@Senyora) January 20, 2016
The forum was meant to provide the presidential candidates an avenue to be able to discuss their platforms, as well as answer crowdsourced questions from those who attended the event, as well as netizens.
Aside from Duterte and Cayetano, senatorial candidates Atty. Lorna Kapunan, Rep. Neri Colmenares and Rep. Martin Romualdez were also present at the forum.
Thoughts on this? What do you think about the other candidates’ absence?
