No notes in vice presidential leg of Pilipinas Debates 2016

Organizers of the only vice presidential leg of the Pilipinas Debates 2016 on Sunday at the University of Santo Tomas made it clear that candidates are not allowed to bring notes during the program proper.

"When on stage, candidates will not be allowed to bring notes, documents, and other electronic devices. They will be given pens and blank sheets of paper to take down notes during the debate," stated the mechanics released by debate host CNN Philippines.

The clarification came after the second presidential debate in Cebu on March 20 was delayed by more than an hour due to a miscommunication regarding the rules imposed by the Commission on Elections.

Vice President Jejomar Binay brought notes with him for the debate after getting the clearance from TV5 news chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes, but other candidates, particularly administration standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, opposed it.

Valdes later on apologized for giving the wrong guidance as regards the bringing in of notes and documents. The Commission on Elections has from the start banned such notes during the debate proper.

All six vice presidential candidates—Senators Alan Peter Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Gregorio Honasan II, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Antonio Trillanes IV and Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo—are already at the debate venue, UST's Quadricentennial Pavillion.

During the debate, candidates will be called on stage in alphabetical order, from Cayetano to Trillanes.

Each candidate is given one minute and 45 seconds for an opening statement; a minute and 30 seconds for a candidates response to a general question and a minute for a rebuttal.

Candidates who wish to join the discussion are given a minute as well.

A sound will alert each candidate of the remaining 10 seconds to keep track of time.

Candidates will also have the chance to defend their presidential bets if he or she is alluded to.

Topics to be discussed during the debate include corruption, poverty, political dynasties, human rights, peace and order, traffic and other urban problems, internet and mobile connectivity, foreign policy and the vice president as the “spare tire.” —Virgil Lopez/NB, GMA News