COMELEC to hold presidential debates in 2016

The Commission on Elections is planning to organize debates among presidential candidates in various venues around the country, a first over the past two decades.

COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez told GMA News Online that a resolution for the matter is already being circulated. Preparations have yet to start, he said.

Earlier, COMELEC commissioner Andres Bautista said a technical working group has been formed to study this and "come up with mechanisms and guidelines."

He added that this will be done "to provide a mechanism for exacting accountability with regard to campaign promises" that candidates make.

COMELEC last hosted a debate in 1992.

The Fair Elections Act (RA 9006) allows the Comelec to "require national television and radio networks to sponsor at least three national debates among presidential candidates and at least one among vice presidential candidates."

Meanwhile, Jimenez said the Comelec will soon come out with the calendar of activities for the 2016 elections, which will be subject for approval by the commission en banc.
 
The presentation is part of the ongoing efforts of the poll body to consult as many stakeholders as possible regarding the automated election system. —NB, GMA News