STAR to host Visayas debate

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine STAR, TV5 and BusinessWorld are set to host the presidential debate in the Visayas in panel format on March 20.

Drawing lots at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday, GMA 7 and Philippine Daily Inquirer will host the presidential debate in Min-danao on Feb. 21, while ABS-CBN and Manila Bulletin will handle the debate either in Southern or Central Luzon on April 24.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said the debates would be held in a university from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

On the other hand, the vice presidential debate, organized in Metro Manila by CNN Philippines and Business Mirror, is set on April 10.

“We are doing this as part of our efforts to make this election transparent. We look forward to these media coalitions carrying out the debates,” Bautista said.

In Mindanao, topics include agriculture development, poverty reduction/asset creation and redistribution, Charter change and peace and order.

In the Visayas, the focus is on disaster preparedness/climate change adaptation, healthcare, education and fighting corruption.

In Luzon, the topics are traffic and pubic transportation, electoral and political reforms, foreign policy, tax reforms and national defense.

Bautista said while the debates are not mandatory, a candidate is bound to “send a message” if he refuses to participate. “I don’t think a serious candidate will let this pass,” he said.

Under the plan, the Comelec will formulate the guidelines for the debate in coordination with the participating media agencies and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.

Bautista said candidates could “go personal” during the debate and let the voters decide on who they want on May 9 next year.