If they don’t come, they'll miss the bus

Here's what the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has to say on the issue of presidential debates: Candidates are not mandated to attend the presidential debates it will organize next year.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said that the debates to be held during the campaign period for the May 2016 national and local elections are on a voluntary basis.

 “Wala tayong pinipilit dito. Kung gusto or ayaw, okay lang,” he said.

Bautista, however, said those who will not attend the debates might send a message to the electorate.

 “Kung ayaw nila pumunta e yung kanilang pagpunta or hindi pagpunta ay mensahe na din e,” he said.

The poll body is looking to hold three presidential debates, one in Mindanao (between February 8 and 22); Visayas (between March 8 and 21); and Luzon (between April 12 and 15).

Among the possible issues to be debated upon are agricultural development, poverty reduction, charter change, peace and order, disaster preparedness, healthcare, education, corruption, public transportation, traffic, electoral reforms, foreign policy, tax reform, and national defense.

On the other hand, would-be vice-presidential candidates will have their chance to present their platforms as the Comelec is also looking to hold vice presidential debate in Metro Manila between April 4 and 8.

The Comelec chief explained that holding such discussions is their way of helping the candidates in presenting their platforms and for voters to know more about the candidates who are eyeing the highest post in the land.

 “We are doing the candidates a favor by providing a venue, a free venue where they can ventilate their arguments, where they can discuss their platforms of government,” he said.

Section 7 of the Fair Election Act states that the Comelec “may require national television and radio networks to sponsor at least three national debates among presidential candidates and at least one among vice presidential candidates”.

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