Three more presidential candidates have announced that they will be skipping the presidential debate organized by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), a media network owned by Apollo Quiboloy.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Manny Pacquiao, and Ping Lacson have all declined to attend the SMNI debate, which is scheduled for broadcast on Tuesday, February 15.
In a statement, Pacquiao, known to be an evangelical Christian, said he cannot attend the debate hosted by Quiboloy, who is wanted in the United States for sex trafficking.
"As much as I would like to participate in every debate and public forum related to my bid for the presidency, I am compelled to decline the invitation of SMNI, which is owned by Apollo Quiboloy, who, according to the US government, has molested and abused children," Pacquiao said.
"I cannot, in good conscience, be part of any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who unconscionably used the name of the Lord in vain for religious scams," he added.
Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, is currently on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation's wanted list for sex and labor trafficking charges.
According to Pacquiao, it would be best to skip the debate because he has a pending cyber libel complaint against Quiboloy.
The senator previously sued the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” for libel last year after he accused the boxer-turned-politician of misusing funds intended for a sports complex in Sarangani.
Meanwhile, Robredo will also miss the SMNI event as she was scheduled to meet with leaders and supporters in Panay Island.
"Leni Robredo has a proven track record of attending debates and interviews regardless of the personal histories or affiliations of its sponsors," said Barry Gutierrez, spokesperson of the vice president.
"She will be unable to attend this privately sponsored event, but will definitely be present for all the upcoming Comelec sponsored and accredited debates," he added.
Moreno, for his part, also has a scheduled campaign in Samar on Tuesday.
Quiboloy has, without basis, accused Robredo, Pacquiao, and Moreno of links to communist rebels.
Earlier, Lacson said he and his running mate, Senate President Tito Sotto III said they will be skipping the presidential debate as Quiboloy already "openly endorsed his preferred presidential and vice-presidential candidate."
Lacson referred to Quiboloy's endorsement of former senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte for the presidential and vice-presidential posts.
Marcos vs. De Guzman?
Partido Lakas ng Masa presidential candidate Leody de Guzman will be attending the debate, according to his campaign team.
"Tutuloy ako sa SMNI debates kahit tila dumadayo ako sa home court ni Marcos Jr.," De Guzman said in a statement.
"Bilang kandidato, obligasyon kong ilahad ang aking plataporma sa lahat ng botante (kasama ang mga nanlalait sa pagtakbo ng isang labor leader sa pagkapangulo.) Kailangan nilang marinig ang lahat ng panig para sa kanilang mas maayos na pagpapasya sa Mayo," he added.
Former senator Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos also confirmed his attendance at the said debate through his spokesman, lawyer Vic Rodriguez.
This comes after their camp declined another major presidential debate, this time hosted by CNN Philippines, scheduled on February 27.
