Philippines' Marcos declines debate with top presidential rival

FILE PHOTO: Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo, presidential candidate for the 2022 Philippine elections, speaks during a campaign rally in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 13, 2022. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David/File Photo

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippines presidential frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Friday turned down his closest rival's challenge to a debate, saying a face-off with Leni Robredo will never happen and he prefers to communicate directly with the public.

Robredo, who narrowly beat Marcos in the 2016 vice presidential election, challenged the son and namesake of the late dictator to a debate "anytime, anywhere" so voters can scrutinise their characters and compare their visions.