Comelec decision to scrap town hall debates ‘unfortunate’

FILE PHOTO: Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday tagged as “unfortunate” the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ditch holding the presidential and vice presidential debates on April 30 and May 1 and instead conduct a panel interview with the candidates.

Acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar, however, said that the panel interview is still a “welcome opportunity.”

“The latest decision of the Comelec to no longer hold vice presidential and presidential town hall debates is unfortunate,” he said in a statement.

“Be that as it may, the panel interview set by the Comelec, in partnership with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas is a welcome opportunity for candidates to explain their intention and agenda to the Filipino electorate,” Andanar added.

He said that informing the public about the candidates for president and vice president in any platform is “crucial in a vibrant democracy.”

“The Filipino people deserve no less,” the Palace official concluded.

The town hall debates were supposed to be held on April 23 and 24, but it was reset to April 30 and May 1 instead.

The postponement came after it was reported the Impact Hub failed to settle its obligations worth P14 million with Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the venue of the event which hosted previous editions of the debate.

JPV