Video Credits to GMA & INQUIRER.net #PiliPinasDebates2016 Duterte-Miriam love fest blooms at presidential debate The mutual admiration between Rodrigo Duterte and Miriam Santiago surface during the first part of the Cagayan de Oro presidential debate MANILA, Philippines – Presidential candidates Rodrigo Duterte and Miriam Santiago seemed to be hand-holding more than fighting during the first round of the presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro on Sunday, February 21. Duterte began the love fest with his very first sentence in his opening statement. “It’s good that Ma’am Miriam is here because she is one of the two only qualified to run this country,” he said. The two were the second pair up for a confrontation during the first round of the debate, aired live on national television. Santiago was first asked by the hosts about her fitness to run for president given her health condition. After Santiago answered, Duterte was asked to give his reaction. But instead of rebutting Santiago, Duterte came to her defense. “I will not debate with Ma’am Miriam. She’s telling you the truth. I do not see Miriam passing away in the next 20 years,” he said to cheers from members of the audience. After Duterte, Santiago was given 30 seconds to respond to Duterte. But because the Mindanaoan presidential bet did not dispute Santiago’s statement, she only elaborated on her determination to spend the rest of her years in public service. Everyone thought she would leave it at that, except she ended her speech with a tirade against corrupt officials that made an exception of one politician. “Graft and corruption is endemic and everybody speaks out but nobody has done much except Mayor Rody Duterte,” she said to cheers. This is not the first time Santiago has come to Duterte’s aid. Faced with accusations of involvement in death squads, Santiago had said they would remain accusations without strong evidence. There is mutual admiration between them. Duterte, on the campaign trail, has called Santiago “brilliant.”

• published: 21 Feb 2016
• views: 14721