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Comelec to push through with panel interviews — Garcia
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will proceed with its panel interviews slated from May 3 to 6 even if some presidential and vice presidential candidates have declined to attend due to conflicts in schedule.
Asked in an ANC interview why the Comelec will still push through with the interviews despite the “major candidates” turning them down, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said, “Because it is our commitment, and likewise the KPB committed that it is not only for one person. It’s not only for one or two or three candidates, it’s for the entire candidates. Even if only one candidate will agree and proceed with the panel interview, we will proceed.”
“It is our commitment likewise to the Filipino people. They have to know their candidates. One hour is one hour and that is enough for them to at least maybe change their minds or to strengthen or cement their choice already,” he added.
Among the presidential bets who will join the interviews
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For vice presidential interviews, among those who will participate are Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Rizalito David, Manny Lopez, and Carlos Serapio and Professor Walden Bello.
Garcia earlier said the interview would be "taped as live" and would have "no editing."
It could be recalled that the Comelec scrapped its presidential and vice presidential town hall debates after its debate contractor, Impact Hub Manila, allegedly failed to settle its dues with Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the venue for the previous debates.
The town hall debates were originally scheduled for April 23 and 24 but were moved to April 30 and May 1 until it was dropped in favor of a panel interview. It has partnered with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas for it. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA News