Rivals take turns hitting Villar during debate

by Cris G. Odronio – The Manila Times reporter

‘Empty’ advertisements

De los Reyes said if he had the wealth of Villar, he would spend it in “noble” way, not on “empty” advertisements.

“Because the way a politician handles his money or his campaign style reflects the way he is,” he added.

He said the message that a leader should convey to the public should cover “principles and plaltforms, not empty messages that just say ‘Ako ang mahirap.”

Gordon also criticized candidates who project themselves for being pro-poor, obviously referring to Villar.

Villar defended himself when asked about his political ads.

“I am not an actor, and I never had a president for my mother. People like me who come from the poor should also be given the chance to lead,” he said in Filipino.

At the debate, Gordon also hit Aquino for his earlier statement in a previous forum that no new taxes would be imposed if he got elected.

In an interview after the debate, Aquino pointed out that if he won he would focus initially on how to capture a good part of the revenue leaks caused by smuggling and tax evasion.