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Comelec may issue resolution to compel bets to attend debates


The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is willing to issue a resolution compelling senatorial candidates to attend debates organized by media organizations and other groups to ensure equal exposure for the 66 candidates.

"Hindi Comelec ang magpapadebate... makikialam lang ang Comelec upang siguraduhin na ito ay fair and just to everyone... Willing kami mag-issue ng kahit na anong resolusyon masigurado lang na pantay-pantay ang oportunidad para sa mga kandidato anuman ang partido o walang partido...basta dapat mayroong equal opportunity na makipagdebate," Comelec chairperson George Garcia said in an ambush interview.

(Comelec will not hold a debate for senatorial candidates. We will only intervene to ensure that the debate is fair and just to everyone. We are willing to issue any resolution that will make sure that all candidates have equal opportunity.)

"'Pag po nag-issue kami ng guidelines dapat po susunod sa amin pong patakaran 'yung mismong mga kandidato and therefore, may karampatang parusang ilalagay doon sa hindi pagsunod sa amin pong patakaran," he added.

(If we issue the guidelines, they should be followed by all the candidates. Therefore, there should be sanctions on candidates who will not abide.)

He then urged the media outfits to ensure that the candidates will participate if they plan to conduct or organize a debate for senatorial bets for the 2025 elections.

In 2022, then-Comelec Commissioner Garcia called on Congress to pass a law requiring presidential candidates to attend debates in every election, adding that there should be sanctions on debate skippers.—LDF, GMA Integrated News