Comelec plans to bring presidential debates to central, southern venues
THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) plans to hold the presidential debates for the May elections in different venues across the country’s three main island groups, an official of the poll body said on Wednesday.
“We hope to hold the debates not just in Metro Manila, but in Visayas and Mindanao as well if the demands of COVID allow,” Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez said in a virtual forum.
Mr. Jimenez said that if a candidate is not able to attend a debate, the designated podium will be kept in place to highlight the absence.
“We will really make a big deal of it if a candidate does not attend. It will be a motivation for them to attend,” he said.
He noted that debates were never mandatory but candidates in past elections customarily participate barring health concerns.
This year’s debates will also be open to all legitimate media organizations, which will be allowed to air or stream the events on their respective platforms.
“The debates will be three hours a night, with 10 minutes allotted for each presidential and vice-presidential aspirant to speak on general topics provided by the poll body,” he said.
Mr. Jimenez earlier said that the debates will be done face-to-face, but with limited audience. It will be live-streamed on the Comelec Facebook page. — John Victor D. Ordoñez
