PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte backed out of the debate challenge against retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio on the issues related to the West Philippine Sea, designating his spokesman Harry Roque Jr, as his representative.

In a television interview, Roque announced that Duterte was "prepared" to debate with Carpio but several Cabinet members and two senators dissuaded him because such activity would not benefit the nation.

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details