MANILA, Philippines – Local celebrities took to social media to express their thoughts on the second presidential debate held at the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu on Sunday, March 20.
While four of the presidential candidates sounded off on pressing topics: disaster response, climate change, fighting corruption, and more, influential stars who tuned in weighed in on the debate, which started late but became heated. (READ: Celebrities on first presidential debate in Cagayan de Oro)
Anne Curtis had described the debate as "intense," in reference to ABS-CBN journalist Karen Davila's tweet about Grace Poe who said during the debates, "Pero diba ito ang format na gusto niyo? (Isn't this the format you wanted?"
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That was intense. Who else is watching? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/annecurtissmith/status/711514753319833600">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It got pretty intense for a moment there!!! <a href="https://t.co/k7NI2TyhJz">https://t.co/k7NI2TyhJz</a></p>— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/annecurtissmith/status/711514965283188736">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Toni Gonzaga said on Instagram that she found the ongoing debate very interesting.
{source}
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDLCgqjQVPo/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Able to catch the presidential debate.. Interesting... </a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Toni Gonzaga-Soriano (@celestinegonzaga) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-03-20T11:04:01+00:00">Mar 20, 2016 at 4:04am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
GMA 7 star Aljur Abrenica commented that the debate had revealed the candidates' personalities.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a> shows the personality of each presidentiable.</p>— Aljur Abrenica (@iamAJabrenica) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamAJabrenica/status/711526625800638465">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Actress Dawn Zulueta observed that the debate was becoming "heated."
{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quite a heated debate happening right now. <br><br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Dawn Zulueta (@DawnZpost) <a href="https://twitter.com/DawnZpost/status/711525963717169152">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
GMA 7 actress Carla Abellana, who is a supporter of presidential candidate Mar Roxas posted on Instagram: "The tension is SO HIGH and I am loving every bit of it. Learning so much." (READ: KathNiel, Ramon Bautista, James Yap lead celebrity Roxas endorsers)
{source}
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50.0% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDLBxk9nzTZ/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">The tension is SO HIGH and i am loving every bit of it. Learning so much.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Carla Abellana (@carlaangeline) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-03-20T10:57:35+00:00">Mar 20, 2016 at 3:57am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
Singer Mark Bautista compared the ongoing debate to a boxing match, and added that the job of TV 5's Luchi Cruz Valdez, the moderator, is not easy.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">i feel like watching a boxing fight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Mark Bautista (@iammarkbautista) <a href="https://twitter.com/iammarkbautista/status/711522291075514369">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ms. Luchi's job is i think the hardest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Mark Bautista (@iammarkbautista) <a href="https://twitter.com/iammarkbautista/status/711522290756755456">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Former beauty queen Kevin Balot compared the debate to a comedy riot.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Comedy riot! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— KEVIN BALOT (@KEVINBALOT) <a href="https://twitter.com/KEVINBALOT/status/711506974005854208">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Ramon Bautista, a supporter of Mar Roxas, even compared the debate to an old TV 5 show, Face to Face.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Parang face to face with tyang amy!</p>— Ramon Bautista (@ramonbautista) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramonbautista/status/711504837238632453">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
He also teased Jun Sabayton about being the cause of delay.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Bayaw <a href="https://twitter.com/junsabayton">@junsabayton</a> baka ikaw cause of delay dyan ha</p>— Ramon Bautista (@ramonbautista) <a href="https://twitter.com/ramonbautista/status/711493424155729920">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Erwan Heussaff said that he remained unconvinced about who to vote as the debates were ongoing.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I still don't see a president on that stage :( <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Erwan Heussaff (@erwanheussaff) <a href="https://twitter.com/erwanheussaff/status/711534831578914816">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
That Thing Called Tadhana and On the Wings of Love director Antoinette Jadaone expressed her discontent with Binay's statements.
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Hay, Binay. Bakit ka ganyan???<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Tonette, Tonette (@tonetjadaone) <a href="https://twitter.com/tonetjadaone/status/711517692918894592">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
TV host Luis Manzano said that he thought Grace Poe and Rodrigo Duterte were doing well when asked by a Twitter user.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="eu" dir="ltr">Poe/duterte. <a href="https://t.co/zjip1rm1K5">https://t.co/zjip1rm1K5</a></p>— Luis Manzano (@luckymanzano) <a href="https://twitter.com/luckymanzano/status/711507492736335872">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Based on this exchange, Poe - 1 , Binay - 0 :) naka isa rin si Duterte kay Binay kanina </p>— Luis Manzano (@luckymanzano) <a href="https://twitter.com/luckymanzano/status/711504858847649792">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
He also provided some comic relief with this funny meme:
{source}
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="6" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:62.5360230548% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"></div></div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BDLIjuBHJL8/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Etooooooooo na talaga!!!!! Eto nangyayari sa debates!!!! Laban na!!! </a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Luis Manzano (@luckymanzano) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2016-03-20T11:56:51+00:00">Mar 20, 2016 at 4:56am PDT</time></p></div></blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>{/source}
Some of them also expressed their thoughts on the candidates' stances on certain issues and raised up topics to tackle.
TV host Daphne Oseña-Paez reacted to the "Taas Kamay" segment of the debate where the 4 candidates in attendance were asked about their stances on specific issues – particularly on divorce. (READ: Cebu presidential debate: All candidates against divorce)
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NO ONE IN FAVOUR OF DIVORCE?! Haha <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Daphne Osena Paez (@DaphneOP) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaphneOP/status/711516270949052416">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
As things became heated, Bianca Gonzalez agreed with a tweet from writer G3 San Diego that called the debate a "Binay Roast." (READ: Roxas, Duterte, Poe 'gang up' on Binay in debate)
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My thoughts exactly. Guess the 3 really didn't appreciate the long wait. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/roast?src=hash">#roast</a> <a href="https://t.co/D6TYJsx3Xr">https://t.co/D6TYJsx3Xr</a></p>— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsuperbianca/status/711504568102727680">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
She also brought up the lack of dialogue about education:
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Did I just miss it, or hindi pa napag-uusapan ang edukasyon?</p>— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsuperbianca/status/711530693029855232">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
She also proposed that airport congestion should be a problem that the next president should address.
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another issue the next President CANNOT NOT FIX. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManilaAirTraffic?src=hash">#ManilaAirTraffic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/airportcongestion?src=hash">#airportcongestion</a> <a href="https://t.co/oPcKBLGWc7">https://t.co/oPcKBLGWc7</a></p>— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsuperbianca/status/711446920552550401">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So most local flights today have been delayed up to as long as five hours because of Manila air traffic. Next President MUST fix this.</p>— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsuperbianca/status/711497075796496384">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
She also acknowledged TV5 for providing sign language interpretation. (READ: Netizens praise sign language interpreters in Cebu presidential debate)
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As a side note, love that TV5 has a sign interpreter on inset.</p>— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsuperbianca/status/711519859847245824">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Erwan Heussaff also made a side comment about the interpreters.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This dude has the toughest job <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates</a> 2016 <a href="https://t.co/9DurtO6sbp">pic.twitter.com/9DurtO6sbp</a></p>— Erwan Heussaff (@erwanheussaff) <a href="https://twitter.com/erwanheussaff/status/711524412600680448">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Some personalities questioned why there was a long delay in the start of the debate. (READ: #PiliPinasDeLate? Delayed Cebu debate stirs confusion on social media)
Bianca Gonzalez tweeted, "I will stand for a government that'll be an example of the importance of being on time."
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I will stand for a government that'll be an example of the importance of being on time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/satotoolang?src=hash">#satotoolang</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhereDoYouStand?src=hash">#WhereDoYouStand</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsuperbianca/status/711494540482359296">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
YouTube personality Sebastian Castro said that he hopes "their delay to pass legislation won't be as long as their delay to debate."
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">let's just hope their delay to pass legislation won't be as long as their delay to debate.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Sebastian Castro 史太保 (@Seb_Castro) <a href="https://twitter.com/Seb_Castro/status/711491465793241089">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Jim Paredes bemoaned the delay, anticipating it to "start at Filipino time."
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This debate will start at Filipino time...</p>— Jim (@Jimparedes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/711481515452928001">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
It was reported that the camp of Vice President Jejomar Binay insisted on bringing notes to the stage. A disagreement about whether this was allowed or not was said to cause the delay.
Jim also weighed in on this:
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Debate delayed because a candidate was discovered to have brought codigo. handlers are fighting backstage. Wont expose my source.</p>— Jim (@Jimparedes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/711486154722258944">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I think Binay has lost this debate without ever saying anything on the podium.</p>— Jim (@Jimparedes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jimparedes/status/711495606972186625">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Singer Leah Navarro, a supporter of the Liberal Party, tweeted, "Boo to note bringers!"
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoToKodigo?src=hash">#NoToKodigo</a> That's the rule, no notes at debate. Boo to note bringers! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Leah Navarro (@leahnavarro) <a href="https://twitter.com/leahnavarro/status/711488064342740993">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Sebastian Castro argued, "Binay is to blame for forcing a request, but so is Mar for forcing the denial of that request above everything else."
{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">binay is to blame for forcing a request, but so is mar for forcing the denial of that request above everything else.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Sebastian Castro 史太保 (@Seb_Castro) <a href="https://twitter.com/Seb_Castro/status/711499655285051392">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
Former beauty queen Ana Marie Igpit tweeted, "If you can't follow simple debate rules, then why should you become our President?"
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">If you can't follow simple debate rules, then why should you become our President? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Anna Maris Igpit (@annaigpit) <a href="https://twitter.com/annaigpit/status/711490733719465984">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
She also said that she feels bad for the hosts/presenters who "were asked to 'stretch' to cover the delay."
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I feel bad for the hosts/presenters, I'm sure they were asked to "stretch" to cover the delay <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Anna Maris Igpit (@annaigpit) <a href="https://twitter.com/annaigpit/status/711488976188669952">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
TV host Sam Oh commended broadcast journalist Cheryl Cosim for handling criticism about the delay well.
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I really admire how you're handling harsh criticism <a href="https://twitter.com/cherylcosim">@cherylcosim</a>! You didn't have to choose to read those. I heart u. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Sam Oh (@iamsamoh) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsamoh/status/711494287133835264">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
{source}
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/BigDtalks">@BigDtalks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cherylcosim">@cherylcosim</a> My biggest fear as a host is having to stretch with no end in sight. This is my nightmare. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a></p>— Sam Oh (@iamsamoh) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsamoh/status/711499564591648768">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}
This presidential debate in UP Cebu is the second in a series organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), in partnership with TV5 and Philippine Star.
A third presidential debate is set to happen on April 24 and a vice presidential debate on April 10. – Rappler.com