Newly-appointed Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo “Lary” Gadon on Wednesday challenged Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros to a “friendly debate”.
This was Gadon’s response to Hontiveros' call to reconsider his appointment due to questions on his credibility.
“Siguro, a friendly invitation to Hontiveros, kasi sinasabi niya ang qualification ko raw, a friendly debate with her. So that we can measure the quality of our intelligence,” he told reporters in a press briefing.
“Iparating niyo sa kanya na I would like to have friendly conversation and debate with her, so that we can compare notes kung sino mas may nalalaman sa amin,” Gadon added.
The suspended lawyer also suggested that the Opposition Senator should run as President for her to have the power to remove government officials.
“Mag-presidente muna siya,” he remarked.
Gadon also urged his critics, who are also calling to revoke his appointment, to run as the Chief Executive.
“The power to appoint belongs to the president. So therefore, kung Congressman ka lang, lalo pa't party-list ka lang, tumahimik ka. Mag-presidente ka,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Gadon debunked claims that he was tapped into a position due to “political accommodation”, saying that he has the “talent and skill to help” the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong Marcos Jr. and “serve” the Filipinos.
“You can say that this is a political accommodation if totally I'm equipped with skills and capability. Ito naman ay napatunayan natin iyan na sa larangan ng corporate world na tayo ay may nalalaman kay ganoon,” he added.
