Debates postponed due to ‘misunderstandings’ with Sofitel, says Comelec’s contractor
(FILE) The Commission on Elections places 10 podiums for its “PiliPinas Debates” scheduled on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City, even if only nine presidential candidates signified their participation in the event. John Eric Mendoza/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The contractor of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the PiliPinas Debates said Saturday there were some “misunderstandings” with the management of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila that led to the postponement of the last round of the debates.
In a statement, Impact Hub Manila said it entered into a private deal with Sofitel “to provide logistical and technical support for the staging of the debates.” The Comelec is not a party to the contract between the two entities.
“Unfortunately, the initiative between the two private companies encountered some misunderstandings,” said Impact Hub Manila.
“While there have been incomplete reports as to the cause of the miscommunication, Impact Hub Manila will refrain from publicly divulging these matters and will endeavor to discuss them with Sofitel and other stakeholders privately,” it added.
Impact Hub Manila said it “does not wish to sidetrack the public from what truly matters.”
“It does not matter where the debates will be held. It only matters that the debates still be held. The public should have more opportunities to know the platform, background, and credentials of those running for public office,” said the company.
The company also thanked the Comelec for allowing it to be its production partner for the last three PiliPinas debates.
The Comelec earlier said it is postponing the vice presidential and presidential debates supposed to be held on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The debates were rescheduled to April 30 and May 1.
The adjustment in the schedule came after Impact Hub Manila failed to settle its P14 million obligation to Sofitel where the last debates were supposed to be held.
