Pacquiao bucks advance questions for debate

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) should not provide candidates the topics and questions for the presidential debates this month in advance so candidates could be as truthful as possible during discussions, presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao said yesterday.

Pacquiao said voters should get candid responses from candidates, saying “on-the-spot” questions bring out the “pure” character of a candidate.

“Maybe (the Comelec decided to give questions in advance) so that candidates can study. But it would be better if the questions are on-the-spot so candidates can be on their toes. You can see the purity of candidates, what their heart contains. If their (intentions) are true or not,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao also hit candidates who ask for questions in advance and those who shun public debates, saying those kinds of candidates are “obviously not ready to lead the country.”

“I don’t ask for questions in advance. I’m ready. There should be no asking for questions in advance,” he added, saying debates are meant to provide voters an informed choice about their candidates.

“You’re running for President and you’re asking for questions in advance? You should be ready for questions; you shouldn’t be picky. As much as possible, all questions should apply to you because you are applying to be the country’s leader. You should not pick the questions you will be asked,” Pacquiao said.

While he did not name candidates, presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. – son of the late dictator – was not present during CNN Philippines’ presidential debates, as well as GMA News’ presidential interviews hosted by broadcaster Jessica Soho who Marcos insisted was “biased.”

Marcos, however, attended the SMNI debates where rivals were absent due to scheduling conflicts, refusal to appear in a network owned by a wanted person in the United States – Pastor Apollo Quiboloy – and the network owner’s apparent endorsement of Marcos and running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

According to Marcos’ national campaign manager Benhur Abalos, he was also ordered by Marcos to ask the Comelec and other presidential bets to tackle the debate format for the poll body’s debates this month, which included the issues to be discussed, time limits, rebuttal dynamics, the moderator, among others.

Pacquiao said people should not trust candidates who refuse to participate in debates because they would not take responsibility for their actions once they are elected, saying these kinds of candidates are merely driven by “their greed for wealth and power” and not to serve the public.

“If you’re scared of debates, what more if you’ve won the seat? At the end of the day, if his administration fails and you look for accomplishments, they’ll tell you ‘Why? Did I promise anything to you?’ If in debates a candidate makes promises and they fail to accomplish them as president, you can hold them accountable for that,” Pacquiao said while recognizing candidates have a right to refuse debates.

Pacquiao added that it’s easier for the public to demand a performance audit on leaders these days because all promises made during the campaign are recorded digitally and are easily accessible.