PRESIDENTIAL aspirants Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao both expressed concern over the plan of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to inform candidates of the general topics that will be tackled during a debate organized by the poll body on March 19, 2022.
In an interview in Bicol during his campaign sortie, Lacson said telling the candidates the possible topics during the debate is not far from leaking exam questions, which only benefits those who do not study their lessons.
“Para saan pa kung nagbigay ka ng exam kung magbibigay ka ng leakage? Parang lokohan lang. Dapat mag-aral sila. Wag silang humingi ng advance questions,” he said.
For Lacson’s running mate, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto, those who should be trusted by the public are those who study their lesson ahead of time.
"‘Yung pagkakatiwalan ko ‘yung mga matagal nang nag-aaral kaysa sa ngayon pa lang mag-aaral. Kung ‘di ibibigay ng Comelec ang topic, hindi mag aaral?" he said.
For his part, Pacquiao said a future leader should not be afraid to be caught in between hard hitting questions.
“Dapat hindi ka mapili ng tanong kasi 'pag tumatakbo ka ng pangulo ng Pilipinas, as much as possible lahat ng tanong pwede itanong sa'yo dahil ikaw ay nag-aapply na maging leader ng bansa," he said.
"Debate pa lang natatakot na. Paano pag nanalo ka na?...Eh natatakot, baka magnakaw naman ng pera ng gobyerno di ba?" Pacquiao added.
Asked on the importance of pre-election debate during CNN Philippines' Presidential Debate on Sunday, February 27, Vice President Leni Robredo, who is also running for president, said such events serve as an avenue for candidates to present their platforms and give Filipinos the chance to see the true character of someone applying for the country’s top government post.
“‘Yung number one ingredient din ng leadership, aside from character, is you show up in the most difficult times. ‘Pag hindi ka mag-show up in the most difficult times, hindi ka lider,” said Robredo.
Last week, the Comelec announced it will hold a presidential debate on March 19.
While Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said all the presidential aspirants already expressed intent to participate in the event, the camp of survey frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said their bet will only attend if his schedule permits.
In a letter sent by Marcos to the Comelec, he expressed readiness to join the debate but he said “it would be more proper and prudent if all presidential candidates will be given opportunity to discuss” the format of the event, including the issues that will be covered.
On Monday, February 28, Jimenez said they will inform the candidates the general topics to be discussed.
"We have not released the general topics, but I'd like to make it clear that it is not unusual for candidates to ask us about general topics. It is not unfair," Jimenez said in a press conference.
"We will inform them of general topics to be discussed. This is not...not the type of everything under the sun, bahala na. We will give the candidates the general topics to be discussed, but we won't give them specific questions. We want the debates to be fair," he added.
Marcos skipped the Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews, the KBP Presidential Forum and the CNN Philippines' Presidential Debate.
Marcos said he did not attend the Jesicca Soho interview because she is “anti-Marcos.”
He attended, however, the presidential debate organized by the SMNI network, which was owned by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who earlier expressed support for his candidacy.
The Comelec earlier urged candidates for May polls to participate in debates or interviews in order for the voting public to see their candidates in action, performing under pressure, and showing leadership at crunch-time. (SunStar Philippines)