Lacson thinks use of earmuffs can prevent copying of answers during debates

Presidential candidate Senator Panfilo Lacson during Comelec’s presidential PiliPinas Debate on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Photo from Lacson-Sotto media bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Senator Panfilo Lacson is suggesting that participants use earmuffs during debates in order to prevent copying of answers.

Lacson said he would suggest to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that candidates wear earmuffs while waiting for their turn to answer questions.

Speaking with reporters after he and running mate, vice presidential bet Senate President Vicente Sotto III, paid courtesy to Gapan City Mayor Emerson Pascual on Tuesday, Lacson attributed their tandem’s readiness to answer questions in debates to the approach they are undertaking for their national campaign.

In their visits to different parts of the country, the Lacson-Sotto tandem consistently hold dialogues with multi-sectoral organizations, which he said has been working to their advantage during debates.

“Kaya nakakasagot kami sa debate eh [That’s why we are always prepared during debates],” Lacson said.

“‘Yung iba nangongopya, kinokopya ‘yung sagot namin. Isa-suggest ko nga sa Comelec dapat naka-earmuff lahat ‘yung (kandidato) para hindi naririnig ‘yung mga sagot namin,” he added.

[Unlike the others who were just copying our answers. I would even suggest for the Comelec that maybe they should require all candidates to wear earmuffs, so they would not hear our answers.]

Sotto likewise cited the benefits of holding town hall meetings and dialogues with different sectors across the country.

“Itong ginagawa naming dialogues, town hall meetings, ang laki ng benepisyo both sides. May natututunan kami sa sinasabi ng mga kababayan natin… Sa amin din, natututunan nila kung ano [ang gagawin]… Hindi tulad dati ang nangyayari rally, sigaw-sigaw (pero) may natutunan ba sa iyo ‘yung mga nakinig? Wala,” said Sotto.

[What we’re doing—dialogues, town hall meetings—they are beneficial for both sides. We are learning something from what our countrymen are sharing with us… And they, too, get educated about what they should do… Unlike before, with the rallies, crowds are screaming (but) did the listeners learn something from you? None.]

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