Comelec postpones debates to next week

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday announced the resetting of the presidential and vice presidential debates supposedly to be held this weekend to April 30 and May 1, respectively, amid the issue involving its co-presenter of the debates, Vote Pilipinas.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said the en banc has decided to reschedule the April 23 and 24 events due to unforeseen circumstances.

“We’d like to announce that we will not be able to proceed with the debate tomorrow and Sunday… it is not canceled, it’s just being reset by next week April 30 and May 1,” he said in a press briefing.

“There are unforeseen circumstances that are impossible on the part of the Commission to proceed with the debate by Saturday and Sunday,” he added.

He also announced that they are partnering with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) for the holding of the last debates for this year’s national and local polls.

“The debates will push through on April 30 and May 1. This time, we have a very good partner, the KBP, who unconditionally offered their help to the Comelec,” Garcia said.

He said the officials of the KBP have expressed full support to the Comelec during their virtual meeting.

“They said they will give us a good venue for the presidential and VP debates,” Garcia said.

Garcia said their new partner has appealed to them to urge all candidates to attend the two events.

“They just have a request, and KBP wants all the presidential and vice presidential candidates to be there and are all present. Because of course, they will spend, of course, they will give such efforts,” he said.

The Comelec asked for the understanding of the national aspirants for the changing of dates of the debates.

Meanwhile, Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay promised to come up with a report early next month on the complaint by Sofitel Hotel regarding the alleged bouncing check issued by Vote Pilipinas.

“Just give me one week and I’ll tell you what the problem is,” he said.

“We will take appropriate action, the Commission en banc will discuss this. I am already preparing a letter, demanding an explanation to everyone concerned,” Bulay said.

Reports said Vote Pilipinas has a pending balance to Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City, where the three debates were held last March 19, 20 and April 3, after several checks it issued have bounced.