COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez on Thursday confirmed all 10 presidential candidates for the May elections will attend the presidential debate on March 19.
The presidential candidates for the May 9 polls are former presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, Leody de Guzman, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, former Defense chief Norberto Gonzales, Senator Ping Lacson, Faisal Mangondato, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Jose Montemayor Jr., Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo.
Jimenez said candidates will not be given questions in advance and will not be allowed to bring anything to the podium.
He added there will be three debates to be sponsored by the Comelec.
Jimenez earlier said the law does not require candidates’ participation in public debates, and that the poll body cannot oblige the candidates to show up.
However, the Comelec will “make a big deal” out of the absence of a candidate and will leave the podium assigned to him or her empty to highlight it.
He also said the decision of certain aspirants to skip various pre-election forums may be a ‘red flag’ for voters.
metrosundaily
