No problem with giving debate topics; just watch out for questions leakage — Ka Leody

MANILA, Philippines — For presidential bet Leody de Guzman, there is no problem in giving the debate topics to candidates. However, the leakage of questions must be avoided.

De Guzman’s remark came after former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ camp asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to discuss the poll body’s debate format, including the issues to be tackled.

READ: Bongbong ordered me to ask Comelec, bets to first tackle debate format – Abalos

“Wala tayong nakikitang problema kung ibibigay yung general coverage ng topics sa Comelec sponsored debate,” the labor leader said in a statement on Tuesday.

(We do not see a problem if the general coverage of topics in the Comelec-sponsored debate would be given.)

“Ang babantayan lang ay kung may leakage na magaganap sa actual questions,” De Guzman added.

(Let us just be on guard if there would be a leakage of actual questions.)

Following Marcos’ request, the Comelec said that it would inform presidential and vice presidential candidates of the general topics.

“We will give the candidates a general idea of what the topics to be discussed are, but what we will not give them are specific questions,” the poll body’s spokesperson James Jimenez said Monday.

READ: Comelec will inform candidates of debate topics

Comelec’s presidential and vice presidential debates are slated on March 19 and 20, respectively.

READ: All presidential bets to attend Comelec debate

Marcos has declined presidential interviews and debates several times, citing reasons such as a conflict in schedule and a “biased” host.

His absence from debates has drawn disapproval from critics.

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