Netizens rave over ‘DuRiam’

MANILA, Philippines - The first leg of the presidential debates held in Cagayan de Oro on Sunday left netizens rooting for “DuRiam,” described as the political love team of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Both feisty politicians who do not mince words, a number of viewers were surprised when Duterte and Santiago opted to shower each other with praises early on in the debates.

“It’s good that Ma’am Miriam is here because she is one of only two qualified to run this country,” Duterte said in his opening statement.

During the first round of the debate, Duterte – who was supposed to respond to Santiago’s answer to a question about her health – instead came to her defense.

“I will not debate with Ma’am Miriam. She’s telling you the truth. I do not see Miriam passing away in the next 20 years,” he said.

Santiago, meanwhile, praised Duterte for his achievements in curbing graft and corruption.

“I felt sorry for my country because graft and corruption is endemic and everybody speaks out, but nobody has done very much except Mayor Rody Duterte,” she said.

The “DuRiam” love team was further fueled after images of the two candidates, who appeared to have embraced during one of the breaks, circulated online.

Reports said Duterte, a known ladies’ man, also kissed Santiago’s hands as a gesture of respect. He was also seen accompanying the senator as she was about to go down the stage after the debates.

Both popular among Filipino Internet users, Duterte and Santiago often top online mock polls among presidentiables.

Duterte is running under PDP-Laban with Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, while Santiago is running under her People’s Reform Party with Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Pia tweets debate

Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach was among those who monitored the debates and took part in Twitter discussions.

“I never thought watching the Philippine presidential elections could be so exciting. Parang Q&A lang may time limit pa,” she tweeted.

Wurtzbach stressed she is not leaning toward any candidate so as not to influence anyone.

“What I like most about this debate is that it gets people thinking. Exactly what the people need so they can decide for themselves,” she added.

#PiliPinasDebates2016 became a trending topic on the social media site on Sunday night.