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MANILA — Senatorial bets from Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) were a no-show at the debate challenge of opposition slate Otso Diretso because there was no formal invitation, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said on Tuesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the party's campaign rally in Malabon, Duterte slammed the manner by which Otso Diretso candidates challenged HNP candidates to a debate.

"Willing mag-debate ang some of the candidates but only if there is an agreement about the rules, venue. Hindi puwedeng unilateral ang pag-decide na about a debate," said Duterte, also the HNP chairperson.

Duterte said the Otso Diretso candidates should have specified the venue, time, and rules of the debate "like how professionals do it."

"Hindi puwede iyong sasabihin mo lang 'Oh, mag-debate tayo' dito tayo ngayon parang sinabi mo lang, 'Oh, magsuntukan tayo,' parang ganoon lang kasi, parang barabara, parang palengke style," she said.

Last week, the Otso Diretso candidates challenged other senatorial candidates to face them in debates instead of complaining about the alleged "negative campaigning" during sorties.

But not a single administration senatorial bet from HNP showed up for a public debate at the Plaza Miranda in Manila on Monday. - with a report from Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News

• Hugpong bets no show at Plaza Miranda debate challenge