Bongbong thankful for attention during debate

MANILA, Philippines – Vice presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Sunday made light of the attacks against him during the first and only vice presidential debate, even saying that he is thankful for the attention he got.

The senator added that he was expecting the tirades as he is on top of the polls.

“Alam mo matagal na rin ako sa trabahong ito sanay na rin tayo diyan sa ganyang klaseng pagbabatikos at pag-atake pero kagaya ng aking sinasabi ‘pagka ikaw ay talagang nangunguna talagang aasahan mo na hahatakin ka ng iba,” Bongbong said during an ambush interview after the debate.

“Magandang sign din ‘yun, kaya't akoy nagpapasalamat na lahat ng atensyon ay napunta sakin,” he added.

Bongbong also said that he is used to mudslinging in his years of public service.

The Commission on Elections-led vice presidential debate, held at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion, drew the audience’s attention to Marcos when his political rivals hurled issues involving his family and father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Among the issues he was pressed on were corruption, the Marcos’s hidden ill-gotten wealth, and human rights violations under martial law.

Aside from his fellow vice presidential candidates’ direct attacks during the debate, Bongbong’s opening statement was also interrupted by members of the Youth Alliance Against the Return of the Marcoses, which staged a protest against his bid and the possibility of another martial law.

Amid attacks, Bongbong continued to respond to criticisms and said he would only apologize for himself and what he has done when asked if he is willing to say sorry for abuses under martial law.

Earlier on Thursday, the senator also shrugged off the criticisms and said he will just focus on his campaign.

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