Veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal. Photo by Otso Diretso
MANILA, Philippines — The debate between the rival senatorial slates of Otso Diretso and Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) can still proceed even if the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has thumbed it down.
According to election lawyer and Otso Diretso candidate Romulo Macalintal, citizen-based groups involved in watching over the upcoming elections — like the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) — can help.
“Pinararating natin ito sa PPCRV, baka naman pwede silang makatulong at mag-organize na mamagitan sa amin at ng Hugpong (ng Pagbabago) candidates,” Macalintal said in a statement on Tuesday.
Comelec recently denied the request of the opposition lineup to facilitate a debate between them and candidates from HNP, citing logistical issues and time constraints.
Previously, Otso Diretso bets dared their HNP counterparts to a debate but skipped the event due to an earlier scheduled campaign sortie.
READ: Comelec denies Otso Diretso’s request for debate
READ: Tañada slams Hugpong’s absence in debate: ‘You’re embarrassing Sara Duterte’
The attendance of candidates in debates has been a big issue for the upcoming elections, prompting reactions from the members of the opposing camps and their figureheads–HNP founding chair and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and LP Chair and Vice President Leni Robredo.
READ: Sara Duterte on Otso Diretso’s request to set debate rules: I’m not your secretary
READ: Robredo: Debates give voters better foundation for voting
For Macalintal, debates are very important especially for reelectionist senators, as they get a chance to explain the laws they crafted in the past.
“Kailangan nating marinig, ano ba ang posisyon nila sa mga ginawa nilang batas?” he explained. /jpv