A COMBINATION of virtual and physical presidential debates will be conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the May 2022 national and local elections.

In a virtual press briefing, Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said one option is for the candidates to hold the debate face-to-face, with the the audience joining virtually.

Another is to have the candidates attend virtually or physically while the audience will be allowed physically but on a limited scale.

"Will it be face to face or virtual? I think it would be better if it is hybrid," said Casquejo.

"But, definitely, there will be a presidential debate," he added.

He said the debates will be among the agenda in their meeting next week.

Earlier, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez assured that the PiliPinas Debates will make a return in the May 2022 elections.

The format and other details, however, remain under discussion, said Jimenez.

Comelec held three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate involving all candidates in the 2016 elections. All were televised. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)