Vice Presidential candidate and the running mate of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano challenged his rival fellow lawmaker Sen. Francis Escudero to a one-on-one debate for his statement that Mayor Duterte’s target to end crime and corruption in three to six months is not realistic.
In an interview with local and national reporters in Digos City, Sen. Escudero stated that “Definitely, it cannot be done in three to six months, even in six years. The problems are too serious and deeply rooted that these cannot be easily defeated,” Sen. Escudero told reporters in the city.
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano commented with the statement of Sen. Escudero and challenge his fellow Vice Presidential candidate into a debate, and noted that whoever losses in the debate should withdraw from Vice Presidential race. The running mate of Mayor Dutere also added that Sen. Escudero’s attitude is an example of lack of conviction to end the country’s problems.
In an interview with Philippines Star, Sen. Cayetano was quoted as saying “With all due respect to Sen. Escudero, I’d like to reiterate what I said before. Failure is guaranteed for those who do not even want to try,” Cayetano said. “To those who lack political will, nothing is possible. But to those who have a clear vision for real change and the strength of character to do what is right, any goal can be accomplished.” Sen. Cayetano stated.
He added that “It’s frustrating to see our fellow public servants lack the passion and optimism to change the country. All the while, they continue to offer the same solutions that failed miserably in the past”.
Cayetano said “It will not be easy, but Mayor Duterte and I are ready to do it. Through our bold solutions, in six months’ time, we can make our streets safe again and cleanse our government of corrupt officials,”.