Annabelle challenges del Mar to public debate

Despite being absent in last Monday's Mega Cebu Candidates Forum, talent manager and congressional candidate Annabelle Rama said she's ready to face her rival Raul del Mar in a public debate.
“He's a lawyer and Deputy House Speaker but he's afraid of Annabelle Rama. I'm waiting for him so we can debate,” she said during the 888 News Forum held yesterday. Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) where del Mar is aligned, has adopted a “no debates” policy.
Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City's south district, said they will only be out-talked by their opponents if they appear in debates.
Annabelle was asked during the forum about her stand on proposals to give Congress the power to decide on wage increases instead of the Regional Tripartite Wage Productivity Board..
She said she was unprepared to answer the question because she is still doing her “home study.”
“Until now I am still studying. Former governor Enrique Rama is one of my advisors and I'm a fast learner,” she said.
Rama said she is working with five lawyers who are giving her lessons on legislation. “Dili ko bogo. Dili sad ko masyadong (I am not stupid. I may not be that) bright but for me, I am the best,” she said.
She said all she needs to do now is to win the May 13 election.
Perfect campaign
Rama said her campaigning has been “perfect” so far with only two weeks before the May 13 election.
Annabelle brought some of her talents and friends including Wowowillie host Willie Revillame to Cebu City for a two night show over the weekend.
She said even if half of the 100, 000 people in attendance votes for Team Rama candidates, this will already give them a sure 50,000 votes in the elections.
She said she brought her talents to Cebu to entertain city residents. Annabelle said many of her talents and friends called to offer help in her campaigns.
“I want the people to be entertained because I am for the masses,” she said in Cebuano. The Team Rama congressional candidate said she will focus on fixing the city’s drainage system, providing employment and mini-centers for children.
Annabelle is also opposed to building more flyovers in the city. /Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac and Correspondent Tweeny M. Malinao