MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued guidelines related to the conduct of poll debates on television and radio to ensure fairness and neutrality.

Resolution No. 11115 outlines the standards for conducting debates on television and radio, emphasizing that such events serve as essential tools for an informed electorate.

“Organized political debates are necessary tools in fostering the emergence of a fully-informed electorate in which the public interest is served whenever political debates are effectuated,” the Comelec said in a statement on Sunday.

The poll body said it wants to ensure that these debates are conducted with the same standards of fairness, neutrality and impartiality.

Under the rules, debate organizers must ensure that all candidates are invited, accommodated, well-represented, treated equally, fairly, and impartially.

Supporters and family members must be accommodated in equal numbers.

Venue arrangements and moderator attire must avoid political bias or favoritism.

The debate, forum or interview series must be conducted or filmed in a safe and controlled environment to show a sense of professionalism and the observance of proper decorum for both the participant-candidate and audience and questions and topics to be tackled in the debate should not be trivial.

Comelec said the appearance by the candidate/s in debates, forums or interview series will not be computed against their allowable airtime.

The organizers are also required to inform, in writing, the concerned Comelec office of the conduct of said debate, forum or interview series at least one week before the conduct of such activity.

The Commission said that its participation, if invited, is only as observer/guest only, which means it shall not be held responsible for any damages, injuries or losses that may occur during the event and that the conduct of the debate, forum, or interview series should be at no cost to the poll body.