Comelec confident all presidential bets will participate in debates

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday expressed confidence that all presidential bets will attend the debates sanctioned by the poll body, even though participation is purely voluntary.

"We are very confident that all candidates will participate," Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said. "But of course, there are a set of guidelines, rules that they will have to study."

He reiterated that the Comelec cannot oblige the candidates to show up.

"It is voluntary. We will let the empty chair or empty podium speak for itself," Jimenez said. "That empty chair or podium is all the message you need."

The Comelec plans to conduct one public debate per month for presidential and vice presidential candidates starting in February until April.

Jimenez's statement comes after presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declined the invitation for a one-on-one interview with GMA News pillar Jessica Soho.

Marcos said that Soho was biased against his family, but GMA Network refuted this claim.

In a statement, the network stressed that throughout her career, Soho has consistently been named the most trusted media personality in the Philippines by both local and foreign organizations.

GMA said Soho boldly asks the presidential candidates important questions such as their intentions behind running for the position, the controversies thrown at them, their stand on pressing issues and their concrete plans should they be elected.

Soho's interviews with four other aspirants were aired on Saturday. — VBL, GMA News