Lacson prefers physical or at least hybrid Eleksyon 2022 presidential debates

Presidential aspirant and Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday said he prefers a face-to-face or at least hybrid presidential debates for the 2022 national and local elections.

“At least hybrid, not virtual. As we experience in our Senate hearings and even sessions, there are many limitations, not to mention technical problems pag virtual or online ang debate (If the debate is conducted virtually or online),” Lacson said in a text message shared to reporters.

“For one, iba pa rin yung physically engaged ang mga kandidato lalo na sa isang debate na inaabangan ng mga Pilipino para makilatis nila nang husto kung sino ba ang iboboto nila upang mamuno sa bansa, kasama na ang demeanor o kilos ng bawat presidential candidate,” he added.

(For one, having candidates physically-engaged in a debate is still different. In that way, Filipinos can scrutinize each presidential candidate, including their demeanors and actions.)

Other presidential aspirants namely Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Senator Ronald dela Rosa labor leader Leody de Guzman, and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno are all open to having face-to-face debates.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Lacson’s running-mate, said he is fine with hybrid 2022 election debates.

“As long as live mga candidates, ok (ang virtual) with me,” he said.

(As long as the candidates are live at the venue, a hybrid debate is okay with me.)

“If virtual pati candidates then useless. Mga staff lang sasagot sa mga questions and debate points. The people (will) not witness the true mettle of the candidates!” he added.

(If the candidates will attend virtually then the debate is useless. Their staff members are the ones who will answer the questions and debate points. The people will not witness the true mettle of the candidates.)

Other senators also weighed in on the possible set-up of the debates for the upcoming elections.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, a Liberal Party stalwart, said he prefers face-to-face presidential debates.

“It can be done, with appropriate safety protocols on COVID-19 being observed,” he said.

He echoed Sotto’s concern that candidates can be coached if the debates will be held virtually.

“Precisely, the possibility of coaching will diminish the credibility of the debates as a test of the candidates' competence to lead the country for the next [six] years. That is why my preference is a face to face debate,” he said.

On the other hand, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, a PDP-Laban stalwart who supports Pacquiao’s prexy bid, said he also wants a face-to-face debate with limited audience.

“In-person debates. [Covered] by tv, radio, [social media]. Lessen physical audience. Provide distance between debaters and the others. That should do it,” he said. — RSJ, GMA News