Alex Magno, a columnist of the Philippine Star, wrongly stated that the late president Benigno Simeon Aquino III did not participate in any debate while campaigning during the 2010 elections.
STATEMENT
In his Jan. 27 column, Magno questioned the “pink” supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo for criticizing Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his absence in an interview of presidential aspirants in the upcoming elections:
STATEMENT
In his Jan. 27 column, Magno questioned the “pink” supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo for criticizing Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his absence in an interview of presidential aspirants in the upcoming elections:
“No one remembered that Noynoy Aquino did not participate in the 2010 debates. In the latter case, it was a correct tactical decision: Aquino was leading all rivals.”
Magno, who served as director at the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, added:
“No one remembered that when Marcos submitted to a Jessica Soho interview in 2016, the venue was filled with LP supporters who heckled his every answer.”
Source: Alex Magno, ”First Person” Column entitled “Pageant” on the Philippine Star, Jan. 27, 2022 (archive)
FACT
Contrary to Magno’s claim, then-senator Aquino of the Liberal Party (LP) attended at least one debate and two fora for presidential candidates in the 2010 elections.
Read the full story on VERA Files Fact Check.
