Robredo to attend Comelec debates, camp clarifies

The camp of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo clarified over the weekend that she was committed to attending the debates hosted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Robredo’s Spokesperson Atty. Ibarra “Barry” Gutierrez on Sunday clarified that Robredo’s camp had confirmed her participation in all of the Comelec debates, starting with the one scheduled on Saturday, March 19.

“The formal written commitment will be submitted shortly. But to be clear: VP Leni WILL BE THERE for the Comelec debates,” he said in a post on his official Twitter account.

Gutierrez’s remark was in response to another post by Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez, which noted that Robredo made a verbal commitment to attend, but had no written commitment or no written refusal.

The list released by Jimenez indicated that, as of 1:25 p.m. on Sunday-March 13, the presidential candidates who submitted a written commitment to attend were: former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, labor leader Leody de Guzman, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, former defense chief Norberto Gonzales, Senator Panfilo “Ping" Lacson, and Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.

The list also indicated that Comelec had not received a written commitment or refusal from candidates Faisal Mangondato, and Jose Montemayor Jr., but noted that they have both given a verbal commitment.

Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was also noted not to have any written commitment or refusal. He has previously declined invites to several pre-election debates and interviews, including one with GMA’s award-winning journalist Jessica Soho.

The first presidential debate will be held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City, followed by the vice presidential debate on Sunday, March 20. The second presidential debate is scheduled for April 3.

The debates will focus on a set of predetermined subjects regarding pressing issues in the country such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy, with a single-moderator format and no live audience.

Presidential and vice-presidential town halls are also scheduled on April 23 and 24, which will have both remote and in-person audiences, along with a post-debate roundtable.

Comelec earlier said candidates who will not participate in their debates will forfeit their slots in its e-rally platforms until the end of the campaign period.

The poll body also said it will highlight the absence of the candidate by leaving their assigned podiums empty. — DVM, GMA News