Miriam hits Mar's elitist background

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Sunday evening questioned the capability of Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II to lead the country given his "elitist" background.

During the one-on-one round of the Luzon leg of the Commission on Elections-sanctioned presidential debate in Dagupan City, Santiago asked Roxas if "the path has been too narrow" for him to become president, given his background.

Quoting Batman, Roxas said that his elitist background does not matter as his public record stands for itself.

"As Batman said, it is not important how you came to this world. What is important is what you did with your life and my life over the last 20 years has been a public record," Roxas told Santiago.

Santiago also asked Roxas to give examples of each kind of excellence - academic, professional and moral - that he possesses to become a good president of the country.

"My academic record is quite clear. I did graduate from the Wharton School of Business, one of the best business schools in the entire United States and I have accomplished that," Roxas said.

Roxas also cited his 23 years of experience in public office as an example of professional excellence, stressing that he has not been involved in any kind of anomaly.

The LP bet added that Santiago would be the best judge for his professional excellence as they have worked together in the Senate.

"Walang mantsa, walang bahid na paninilbihan sa mahigit 20 taon na pagsisilbi. The most important work that a public servant has is to say no. No to temptation, no to offers and even to the seeming inappropriateness of certain acts," the administration bet said.