Pacquiao: Don’t expect accountability from candidates who skip debates

Filipinos should not expect accountability and good governance from candidates who dodge debates, presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao said.

“Nakakatakot yang mga ganyang kandidato sa ating republika. Pag na-elect na sila, kahit magnakaw pa sila nang magnakaw wala silang pananagutan dahil ibinoto sila ng tao kahit alam nilang mga magnanakaw sila. Paano sila sisingilin ng taumbayan eh sila mismo ang naglagay sa kanila sa pwesto?” Pacquiao said in a statement released Thursday.

(These candidates are dangerous to the republic. If they are elected, even if they steal and steal they will not have to answer for it because the people voted for them even with the clear knowledge that they are thieves. How can the people demand accountability when they were the ones who got them elected?)

Pacquiao said that candidates running for public office, especially those seeking the presidency, should stop inventing excuses to avoid face-to-face debates, especially those organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Pacquiao added the public has the right to know not only the government platforms of all those running for public office but also the glimpse of their character as leaders and as implementers of government policies.

Pacquiao has declared his intent to attend all face-to-face debates and election-related fora, especially those organized by the Comelec, as well as legitimate media organizations and civil society groups.

Former senator Bongbong Marcos and his running mate, Davao City Vice Mayor Sara Duterte, have not confirmed their participation in the upcoming debates to be conducted by the Comelec. The latter has said that she will not be taking any part in any debates at all, while Marcos has skipped at least three debates and interviews since the start of the campaign period.

The other nine presidential candidates will attend the Comelec debates. 

Pacquiao said debates are meant to provide the people an informed choice about their candidates, the quality of their leadership, and their style of governance.

Pacquiao previously urged the Comelec not to give advanced topics and questions to candidates.

The Comelec has set the presidential debate for March 19, followed by the vice-presidential debate on March 20.

There will also be a second presidential debate on April 3. — BM, GMA News