5 presidential bets confirm participation in Comelec debates

Five of the 10 presidential candidates have confirmed their attendance at the Commission on Elections-sponsored debates, poll body spokesperson James Jimenez said Saturday.

Jimenez posted on Twitter a list of those who have confirmed their participation as of 8:30 p.m. Saturday. They include Leody de Guzman, Isko Moreno, Norberto Gonzales, Panfilo Lacson, and Manny Pacquiao.

Other presidential candidates, Ernesto Abella, Faisal Mangondato, Jose Montemayor Jr., Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., and Leni Robredo, have either refused, or have not yet submitted a written commitment to the poll body.

Jimenez have already disclosed the commitment forms submitted by Lacson, Moreno, and De Guzman.

Meanwhile, the camps of Gonzales and Montemayor have also released their signed commitment forms.

The first presidential debate is set for March 19, while the first vice presidential debate is scheduled for March 20. Both events will be held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

The second presidential debate is scheduled for April 3.

Each debate is anchored on a set of predetermined subjects on pressing concerns in the country, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy, according to Comelec, with a pool of questions gathered from concerned sector groups.

The debate will follow a single-moderator format with no live audience.

A presidential and vice presidential town hall will also be held on April 23 and 24, respectively. These events will have both remote and in-person audience, and a post-debate roundtable.

The poll body said on Monday that candidates who do not participate in Comelec-organized debates will lose their slots in the poll body's e-rally platforms until the end of the campaign period. 

It has also stated that the absence of the candidate will be highlighted by leaving the podium designated for them empty. — VBL, GMA News