Comelec assures no single centavo released to private partner in canceled debates

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rey Bulay on Monday insisted that the poll body did not release a single centavo for the venue of the presidential and vice presidential debates that were earlier canceled.

The debates were canceled after it was reported that Impact Hub Manila, Comelec’s partner for the PiliPinas Debates, failed to pay its obligation to Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila worth P14 million — where the third round of debates was supposed to be held.

Bulay in a press briefing also said that it is up to the Comelec en banc whether it will file charges against Impact Hub Manila or not.

“It would depend on the En Banc kung gusto nilang i-demanda kung meron mang dapat idemanda, pero one can be sure na walang lumabas na single centavo from the Commission,” said Bulay.

(It would depend on the En Banc if they want to sue if there is anything to be sued, but one can be sure that no single centavo came out from the Commission.)

Commission on Elections Commissioner Rey Bulay. INQUIRER file photo / RICHARD A. REYES

Bulay also said that it was established in its memorandum of agreement with Impact Hub that its services will be free of charge.

“Walang gastos ang Comelec (the Comelec did not pay for anything),” Bulay explained.

The said debates were supposed to air on April 23 and 24, respectively, but was rescheduled to April 30 and May 1.

However, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia earlier announced that the poll body will instead hold a panel interview for presidential and vice presidential candidates.

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