MANILA, Philippines (Update 2; 2:42 p.m.) — Survey frontrunner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has yet to confirm his participation in the debates sponsored by the Commission on Elections set on March 19.
Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ spokesperson, said Marcos "has not yet confirmed his participation in the Comelec-sponsored debate which was scheduled from 7pm to 9:30pm. on March 19, 2022."
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Rodriguez added that Marcos’ participation in the event "will only be confirmed if his hectic campaign schedules permit."
This was after Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez reportedly said that all ten candidates will attend the Comelec’s presidential debate.
Jimenez, as reported by News5, added that no questions will be given in advance to candidates, and no "kodigo" will also be allowed on stage.
The Comelec spokesperson however showed a letter from Marcos’ campaign manager, Benhur Abalos, stating that Marcos "has expressed readiness" to join the debates.
Abalos however said it would be more prudent if all candidates will have an opportunity to "discuss before the Commission among themselves the format, which will include the issues to be discussed, the time allotment for each, the right to respond and rebut his/her arguments, who will be the moderator, among others."
Jimenez said that the Comelec waits for "more confirmation" from Marcos’campaign team if needed.
“Nevertheles, the preparations for the #PiliPinasDebates2022 push [through],” he added.
Marcos’ attendance in debates, forums
Marcos last attended the debate of SMNI Network, which was owned by televangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who endorsed his and his running-mate Sara Duterte’s bids for the 2022 polls.
In the SMNI debates, Marcos was joined by presidential candidates former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella, labor leader Leody de Guzman and former defense chief Norberto Gonzales.
Marcos previously opted out of the forum organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and other news organizations, and the debates by CNN Philippines — both citing conflict of schedule.
He also did not participate in "The Jessica Soho Presidential Interviews" and accused the award-winning journalist of bias.
His spokesperson earlier explained that they are not keen on attending forums where candidates are pitted against each other, and would prefer programs that would give candidates more time to detail their proposed platforms.
In accepting the SMNI debate, Rodriguez said they checked the flow of the program before accepting. — Kristine Joy Patag with reports from News5/Greg Gregorio
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Editor's note: An earlier version of this article reported that Marcos would be joining the debates. It has been updated to reflect Rodriguez's comment.