MANILA, Philippines - Former president Joseph Estrada on Monday snubbed the Philippine Daily Inquirer's 1st Edition Presidential Debate held at the main theater of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
A statement issued by Estrada's spokesperson, Margaux Salcedo, read: "The executive committee of the campaign felt that Inquirer is always biased against Erap, that it would work more harm than good to attend, and advised President Erap not to go."
As a result, only 8 presidential candidates are participating in the debate.
Estrada had previously attended other presidential forums organized by various groups including Sunday's debate at Miriam College, which was organized by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and TV5.
The former president also skipped a January 29 forum organized by ANC, saying that he had to shoot a campaign infomercial.