Sen. Marcos to critics: Let's talk about issues first, not my Marcos name

VICE presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. has challenged to a discussion those who have an issue with his being a Marcos, which was suddenly floated by his critics as an election issue.

While Marcos is not inclined to back out from any discussions regarding the non-issue topic, he said the more pressing agenda that should first be talked about in any forum concerning national and social issues are the present problems of the people.

"Dapat unahin natin ang mga isyu na talagang iniisip at kailangan ng ating mga mamayan araw-araw," he said this morning when interviewed live in "Umagang Kay Ganda" television program.

He said the Filipinos' primary concerns are illegal drugs, high prices, graft and corruption, and joblessness while his family background is an issue only to politicians and groups.

"Ang gusto nilang marinig ay ang mga solusyon sa problema sa droga, mataas ng presyo ng bilihin, korapsyon, ang kawalan ng trabaho, iyun ang mga pinag-aalala ng tao," Marcos said.

He added: "Dito sa Maynila, 'yung trapik, MRT (Metro Rail Transit), pati na 'yung telepono, pati na 'yung mabagal na internet, unahin na muna natin ito dahil nag-aantay ang mga tao na umaasa sa gobyernong magbigay ng aksyong sa kanilang araw-araw na hinaharap na problema."