3 of 5 VP bets back standard bearers with presence at first leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016

Only three running mates of presidential candidates lent support to their respective standard bearers by attending the first leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 at the Capitol University in Cagayan De Oro City on Sunday.

Senators Gringo Honasan and Alan Peter Cayetano were in the audience respectively for Vice President Jejomar Binay and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo was also present for former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

Senator Francis Escudero, the running mate of independent presidential candidate Senator Grace Poe, and Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who is running with Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, were both absent.

Santiago's husband, former Interior Undersecretary Narciso Santiago Jr., on the other hand, was present. Broadcaster Korina Sanchez, Roxas' wife, was also in the audience.

Others personalities present at the debate were Senator Aquilino Pimentel III, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, Inquirer chairman Marixi Prieto, Inquirer president Sandy Prieto, Commission on Elections chairman Andres Bautista and poll spokesperson James Jimenez.

Also present were Binay's daughter Senator Nancy Binay, his spokesman Cavite Gov Jonvic Remulla and United Nationalist Alliance president Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco. -NB, GMA News