MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – When presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos skipped the Jessica Soho presidential interviews, critics labeled him a ”coward.” The former senator was similarly criticized when he skipped the interviews sponsored by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP). Marcos’ reason for his absence in the latter was that he had a prior commitment which it turned out to be an interview with Korina Sanchez, a known opposition sympathizer.

Now, Vice President Leni Robredo has announced that she is skipping the presidential debate sponsored by SMNI Network, citing previous commitment.

Social media immediately reacted to Robredo’s announcement with hashtags of #LeniDuwag and #NasaanAngPangalawangPangulo, similar hashtags that greeted Marcos’ skipping of the Soho and KBP interviews.

But many on socmed are wondering if the real reason for Robredo’s refusal to attend the SMNI debate is because it will be live, in person, and a true debate on issues and platforms. No coaching, no advanced questions, no PowerPoints, no editing.

This is a developing story.