Comelec may issue order obligating candidates to attend debates

The Commission on Elections is eyeing a resolution that would obligate candidates to attend televised debates, saying it would help voters in their choices ahead of the 2025 midterm elections. 

Comelec eyes debate skipping as basis for candidate disqualification

Candidates, especially those leading in pre-election surveys, have sometimes snubbed televised debates in past elections to avoid potentially damaging their chances of winning.

“Kinakailangang susunod sila sa patakaran ng Comelec and kung inendorse namin ang isang debate, pwede namin silang i-compel na umatend dun sa mga debate na yun  because sa aking paniniwala, ‘yan ay regulasyon ng Comelec,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia told TeleRadyo Serbisyo in an interview.

The poll chief said Comelec is unlikely to host a debate for senatorial candidates in the 2025 midterm elections, saying these should be left to the media.

“Ang nangyari nung 2022, Comelec ang mismong nag-sponsor ng debate. Hindi tama ‘yun, contrary yun sa batas. Kaya ngayon ay ine-engganyo namin ang mga istasyon ng radyo ang tv na gustong magpa-debate, kami ay magbibigay ng go signal,” he said.