Comelec eyes hybrid presidential debates for 2022 polls

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing to hold a hybrid form of presidential debates for next year’s elections.

“On Monday, we will be having our three in one conference with regards to this new normal, we will discuss how are we going to hold the presidential debate,” said Commissioner Marlon Casquejo in a virtual press conference on Friday.

He added that they are planning to hold a face-to-face or virtual debate or a combination.

“Definitely there will be a presidential debate but then again the question is if it will be face to face or virtual so I think it would be better if it is hybrid so we could do the face to face but virtual audience or a virtual including candidates, they can also be virtual if they could not go to the venue with a virtual or limited audience,” he added.

Before the conduct of the presidential elections in 2016, the poll body has gathered presidential and vice presidential candidates to a series of debates which was dubbed as “PiliPinas Debates 2016”.

Three presidential debates were held in different venues in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao while those gunning for the vice presidential seat were able to participate in one event.