IBP debate postponed anew

CEBU, Philippines — Today’s scheduled debate between candidates for mayor and vice mayor in Cebu City is moved to Friday, May 10.

In a Facebook post yesterday, organizer Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Cebu City Chapter said the debate would still take place at 1 p.m. at the City Sports Club. Tickets acquired for the May 6 schedule would still be honored on Friday.

The debate was scheduled originally on April 22 but the IBP moved it to May 6 to give candidates quality time to observe the Holy Week.

This time around, the IBP decided to postpone the debate anew after mayoralty candidate Edgardo Labella announced on Facebook that he will not be able to attend today’s event due to a “highly important meeting in Manila.”

Labella made the announcement last Saturday, the day after what was supposed to be a final meeting among the participating parties last Friday. His representatives did not raise the concern during the meeting.

“While I am willing to engage my opponent in the IBP-sponsored debate, I had meantime committed to a highly important meeting in Manila on May 6, 2019. It is therefore physically impossible for me to accept the May 6 date. Thus, I am requesting the postponement of the May 6 debate to May 10, 2019,” Labella said.

IBP said it did not receive a formal request from Labella but was informed Mayor Tomas Osmeña has agreed to the postponement.

“While we have seen posts in the official page of Vice Mayor Edgar Labella of a letter dated May 5, 2019 addressed to IBP Cebu City Chapter requesting for the postponement of the May 6 IBP CEBU CITY DEBATES to May 10, we have not received such letter or any official communication from VM Labella… We were however informed that Mayor Tomas Osmeña has agreed that the debates be moved to May 10, 2016,” reads the IBP Facebook post.

It added:

“IBP Cebu City has taken pains to ensure the success of what is one of the first in the history of Cebu City Elections. We have been meeting with both parties or their representatives since April 17 to discuss the postponement to May 6, guidelines, parameters and concerns of both parties. This is to ensure the transparency, consistency and integrity of the activity.”

Rules

The candidates are not allowed to bring notes, documents, and other electronic devices during the debate. They will be given pens and paper so they can take down notes.

The candidates are allowed to bring supporters and the supporters may wear the candidates' shirts and bring tarpaulins.

Each candidate will have one minute and 45 seconds to deliver an opening statement, one minute and 30 seconds to respond to a general question, and one minute for a rebuttal.

Other candidates who wish to participate in a discussion will be given one minute. (FREEMAN)