4 election debates underway, says Comelec

Comelec chairman Andres Bautista. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ARNOLD ALMACEN

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Andres Bautista has said three presidential and one vice presidential debates are underway for the upcoming 2016 elections.

In an interview at the sidelines of the plenary debates on the Comelec proposed 2016 budget on Wednesday, Bautista told reporters of the commission’s decision to hold political debates in partnership with television and newspaper outfits.

Bautista said the poll body could not compel a candidate to join the debates, but the refusal to participate may affect voters’ preferences in the elections.

“Sa aming palagay, ang pagpunta or di pagpunta, dapat nasa kandidato yan … Ang kanilang pag tanggi ay mensahe na rin sa ating mga botante at pabayaan natin ang botante na sila mag pasya,” Bautista said.

Bautista said there would be a meeting with major television networks and newspapers on Oct. 6 to discuss the final guidelines on the presidential and vice presidential debates.

He said the first presidential debate would be held in February, the second in March, and the third in April. Meanwhile, the vice presidential debate would be held in April, most likely in Metro Manila.

“Basically ang napagkasunduan na is that there will be 4 debates—3 presidential and 1 vice presidential—the three debates will be held in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon in that order and then the vice presidential will be held in Metro Manila,” Bautista said.

“There will be a lead organizer (for every presidential debate) and these three groups include ABS-CBN with Manila Bulletin, GMA 7 with Philippine Daily Inquirer, and TV 5 with Philippine Star, and then CNN Philippines and Business Mirror will be the lead organizers for the vice presidential debate. But all debates will be opened to all media,” Bautista added.

As of press time, the only declared presidential candidates are former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and Sen. Grace Poe. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is reported to announce his presidential bid soon.

Meanwhile, the declared vice presidential candidates are Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero for Poe and Alan Peter Cayetano, said to be for Duterte. Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo is confirmed by party officials to have agreed to run alongside Roxas, but she has yet to make an announcement herself. Binay remains secretive on his running mate, but his top choice is Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Under the Fair Elections Act, the Comelec may partner with television and radio networks to sponsor presidential and vice presidential debates during the campaign period for national positions, from Feb. 7 to May 9, 2016. Marc Jayson Cayabyab/RC