When the future of the country is at stake, politicians who want to lead should ignore the exemptions granted by the law with regards their participation in debates and instead join the public discussions to allow voters a better understanding of their plans for the nation.

This view was aired by former House Speaker and Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano recently as he reiterated his appeal for the Commission on Elections to convince candidates in the May polls to show up in public debates sponsored by the poll body.

Cayetano renewed his call after Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez was quoted by media as saying that candidates for president and vice president need not participate in their debates if they do not want to.

Jimenez said there is no election law that mandates candidates to debate with their rivals.

“The lives and livelihoods of Filipinos are at stake. The electorate needs to choose the right leaders not just for president and vice president but also for senators. To do so they need the opportunity to know and understand the platforms of candidates,” said Cayetano who is running for senator.

The former House leader also pointed out that while debates, as stated by Jimenez, are considered by candidates as mere opportunity for airtime, these evens should be considered as a vital component of voter educaiton and essential to providing equal opportunities to candidates.

“Debates allow the voters a crucial opportunity to know and examine the aspirants' qualifications, track records, platforms, and positions on issues of national concern,” he said.

Since October last year, Cayetano has consistently called for more presidential and vice-presidential debates in order to give all candidates an equal opportunity and an equal playing field to talk to voters.

He said while the debates are not the sole basis for deciding on the right candidate, Comelec should not diminish their crucial role.

“Voters will pick the best candidates based on all information. The person who will be the President does not have to be the best debater, but let us look at the sense of their ideas and visions and the way they communicate,” he said.