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From Leni 'rapping' about her pandemic work to Leody vs. Montemayor: Memes and reactions from the CNN PH Presidential debate

By AYIE LICSI Published Feb 27, 2022 11:42 pm

Elections22
CNN Philippines on YouTube

The Filipino Twittersphere came alive on Feb. 27 evening as netizens share their reactions to the recently concluded CNN Philippines Presidential Debate, which saw nine presidential candidates face off and share their stances on political issues with the public.

As of writing, #CNNPHPresidentialDebate was the top trending topic on Twitter, with over 265,000 tweets. Other related topics dominated the local trending list, including Ka Leody, Montemayor, Isko, Leni Robredo, Manny Pacquiao, and event host Pinky Webb.

On top of the serious issues tackled during the debate, netizens shared memes and moments they found iconic from the debate.

One Twitter user joked about how VP Robredo was "rapping" as she was enumerating what she's done since the pandemic began in March 2020.

Another was able to catch Ka Leody De Guzman imitate rival Isko Moreno's pose as they were standing next to each other.

During the debate, Jose Montemayor Jr. asked Moreno about the excess campaign funds from his 2016 senatorial bid, mistakenly saying it was $50 million donated by Bill Gates.

One user made fun with the mention of the Microsoft co-founder while another was surprised with how Moreno brought out his BIR receipts, asserting he paid taxes on the unused funds.

On Marcos' absence

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s absence from the presidential debate was mentioned during the debate by event hosts Pia Hontiveros and Pinky Webb. Candidates like De Guzman also pointed out the former senator's nonattendance. Some detail-oriented netizens reacted to how the event's crew would show Marcos' blank podium right on cue, with others saying the cameraman "understood the assignment."

Speaking of Marcos, users were also cheering for De Guzman when things got heated between him and Montemayor.

"Akala ko ba absent si Marcos, andito pala," the labor leader said.

Netizens joked about how the labor leader "chose violence" during the debate.

Host Pinky Webb also trended during the evening for her facial expressions and her closing statement, "That's why debates are a trusted source."

On Pacquiao's answer about LGBTQ+ civil union

Meanwhile, Sen. Manny Pacquiao received backlash for his answer on where he stands with civil union for people in the LGBTQ+ community.

"Tutol po ako diyan. Kailangan imaging pantay tayo. Pare-pareho tayo sa bansa natin na walang pinaburan, anumang klaseng tao., Pero iyong sinasabi natin na pagdating sa same-sex marriage, against ako diyan," he said.

TAGS: Manny Pacquiao leni robredo isko moreno memes ping lacson elections2022 leody de guzman Norberto Gonzales CNN Presidential debate Faisal Mangondato Jose Montemayor Jr

About the author

AYIE LICSI

Associate Editor

Ayie is a self-confessed nerd with a love for all things tech, film, and queer culture. Reach her at [email protected]