As the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) finalizes the presidential and vice-presidential debate schedules, the poll body also sets a penalty for absentee candidates.
COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez said in the agreement signing between COMELEC and Vote Pilipinas that debate skippers will have their podiums empty in the event, and will not be able to use COMELEC’s E-rally platform.
“Wala pong ibang layunin ang debateng ito kundi matulungan ang ating mga botante na malaman kung saan kayo tumatayo sa iba’t ibang isyu na kinakaharap ng ating lipunan, at kung ano ang inyong mga plano upang masolusyunan ang mga ito,” COMELEC Acting Chairman Socorro Inting stated during the signing.
Majority of presidential and vice-presidential aspirants have expressed their eagerness to join the COMELEC debates. However, vice presidential aspirants Sara Duterte and Lito Atienza both declined the invitation.
Presidentiable and dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who earlier declined the multiple debate invitations, remains hesitant to join.
The Marcos-Duterte tandem has rarely appeared with the previous forums and interviews by different media outlets.
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Marcos Jr. only attended the DZRH radio interview, the Boy Abunda interview, and the SMNI Presidential debate, a network owned by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy who openly campaigned for the tandem and is currently wanted in US for sex trafficking.
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With his media appearances, the dictator’s son only repeated his message of “unity,” but failed to mention any comprehensive platforms for the Filipino people, especially the marginalized sectors.
Likewise, Sara Duterte begged off both the SMNI and CNN vice presidential debates.
COMELEC reassured that they will not be giving the candidates a copy of the debate questions in advance, but will only provide the general topics instead. Jimenez also guaranteed that all candidates will be treated fairly.
There will be 3 presidential debates and 2 vice-presidential debates, to be aired free on TV and social media.
Featured image courtesy of Manila Times
