The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has clarified that participation in election debates for national and local candidates is not mandatory.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that current guidelines do not require candidates to attend debates, as the commission is still reviewing the constitutional implications of such a requirement.
“For now, there is no mandate for candidates to participate in debates,” Garcia said in an interview on Monday.
Additionally, Comelec confirmed that it will not be organizing debates for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections. Instead, the responsibility will fall on independent groups and organizations.
“The Comelec is not conducting these debates, but other groups and organizations. It is their prerogative to hold them,” Garcia explained.
However, the poll body emphasized that all candidates must be given an equal opportunity to participate in any debates organized by external groups.
“No candidate should be excluded. Everyone must be invited,” Garcia stressed.
On Sunday, the Comelec released guidelines to ensure fairness and neutrality in election debates aired on television and radio. The commission reaffirmed that political debates play a crucial role in providing voters with the necessary information to make informed decisions.
