(Updated) — Erap snubs Inquirer presidential debate

(Updated) — Joseph Estrada snubbed the Philippine Daily Inquirer's presidential debate inside the University of the Philippines Diliman campus on Monday, with his campaign advisers citing the newspaper's alleged bias against the former President. Estrada's spokesperson, Margaux Salcedo, said Estrada was not able to attend the forum because Estrada had other commitments. "Various delegations from all over the country have sought an audience with former President Josepsh Estrada today at the PMP headquarters, including delegations from as far as Lanao del Sur and other parts of Mindanao, which President Estrada had to prioritize, for which reason former President Estrada was not able to attend the forum of the [PDI]," she said in a statement. The debate, which takes place a day before the campaign season for the 2010 automated elections begins, was attended by Senators Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Manuel Villar Jr., Richard Gordon and Jamby Madrigal; Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr.; Eddie Villanueva; Olongapo City Councilor JC delos Reyes; and environmentalist Nicanor Perlas. The debate, which started at about 10:30 a.m., was ongoing at the University of the Philippines Theater in Diliman, Quezon City as of posting time. Some candidates were asked to give their take on the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao last November 23. Villar said private armies should be disarmed, the Armed Forces should be strengthened and jobs should be generated. Gordon was also asked to define rebellion, to which he replied that rebellion does not exist in Maguindanao now. Delos Reyes took a dig at Villar, saying he would not spend so much money on "empty" ads. Madrigal also scored Villar for using children in his popular "Dagat ng Basura (Sea of Garbage)" advertisement. The candidates also discussed the controversial Reproductive Health bill, which is strongly opposed by the influential Catholic Church. Delos Reyes claimed the measure was dangerous since it allows abortion. Aquino was also asked about the youth's sexual behavior, to which the Liberal Party standard bearer replied that sex must be age appropriate. The candidates were answering questions from the following panelists: opinion columnists Dean Raul Pangalangan, Joaquin Bernas, Rina Jimenez-David, Michael Tan and Cielito Habito; and Inquirer editors Jorge Aruta, Raul Marcelo, Fe Zamora and Pam Pastor. GMA Network's DZBB radio is airing the forum live. (Click on GMANews.TV's home page and click on the DZBB tab at the upper right corner. — Sophia Regina Dedace, Jam Sisante, Aie B. See/NPA, GMANews.TV