Comelec mulls order to compel candidates to attend debates

/ 11:47 AM January 24, 2025

Comelec mulls order to compel candidates to attend debates

Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia  INQUIRER.net file photo / NOY MORCOSO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering issuing a resolution that would compel candidates to participate in debates.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said Friday that while there is no law mandating candidates to attend debates, the poll body can endorse debates conducted by different media outlets.

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“Pwede kaming mag-issue ng resolution na bilang obligasyon ng mga kandidato sa Comelec, kailangang sumunod sila sa patakaran ng Comelec, and therefore, kung inendorse namin ang isang debate, pwede namin silang i-compel na umattend sa debate na ‘yan,” Garcia said in a radio interview with Teleradyo 630.

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(We can issue a resolution to remind candidates that as an obligation to Comelec, they need to abide by the rules of Comelec, and therefore if we endorse a debate, we can compel them to attend.)

READ: Comelec open anew to holding poll debates

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The poll body chief even urged media outlets to organize political debates to help voters scrutinize candidates, including their stand on certain issues.

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“Ineengganyo natin ang istasyon ng radyo at telebisyon na baka gusto ninyong magpadebate at kami po ay magbibigay ng go signal,” Garcia noted.

(We are encouraging radio stations and television [networks] to hold debates and we will give our go signal.)

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READ: Poll exec to Congress: Pass law requiring presidential debate, penalizing skippers

What if candidates defy their order and choose to skip the debates? Garcia pointed to instances when Comelec was able to oblige candidates to follow campaign materials and social media registration rules.

“Subukan po natin ‘yang mga ganyan,” he added.

(Let’s test it out.)

Garcia then recalled the 2022 elections when the Comelec sponsored a debate. He said that it was “contrary” to the law.

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Citing Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9006 or the “Fair Election Act,” he said that Comelec may require national television and radio networks to conduct at least three presidential debates and at least one vice presidential debate

Garcia previously appealed to Congress to pass a law requiring presidential candidates to attend debates and penalizing bets who refused to participate.

TAGS: Comelec, Philippine Elections

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