NextGen Day

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned on Thursday that candidates’ refusal to participate in debates should serve as a “red signal” for voters in the forthcoming May 9 national and local elections.

“It’s not a red flag for Comelec, but it is a red flag for the voters.” In an online news briefing, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez stated, “We don’t care if they arrive or not.”

If candidates participate in debates, people will be able to connect with them and learn about their plans and programs for the country, he said.

“At the end of the day, what matters to the Comelec is whether or not the public will be able to question the candidates, their viewpoints, their beliefs, and so on,” he said.

“Whether they attend the discussion or not is irrelevant to the Comelec; what matters is to the people,” he continued.

The podium given to a particular candidate would be left with their name still on it in the discussions that the poll body will hold for presidential and vice-presidential aspirants, according to Jimenez, even if the aspirant refuses to turn up.

“I believe it is critical that we acknowledge when people fail to show up since we know how important it is to them.” It should not be skimmed over or overlooked. We’re going to put their name on a podium right there, with no face above it. He explained, “That’s their lookout.”

The Comelec plans three presidential and vice-presidential discussions, the first of which will take place this month, the second in March, and the third in April.

They also want to have one in each of the Philippines’ three provinces: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The Comelec staged three presidential debates in the three islands, as well as one vice presidential discussion in Metro Manila, during the May 2016 elections.

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