Comelec not organizing one-on-one debates

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will not organize a one- on-one debate among candidates in the May 2022 polls.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia believes candidates should be given an equal opportunity to be heard.

"If we do it one one one, it would be unfair to other candidates. It would be discriminatory to others. All candidates must have equal chances in getting the platform and time," he said during the Laging Handa public briefing Monday, March 28.

"We, at the Comelec, should be impartial and neutral during elections," added Garcia.

"Everybody deserves a chance to explain their side on issues," he said.

But the poll official said others such as TV networks may organize their own one-on-one debate.

"They may hold their one-on- one...but definitely the Comelec will not do that," Garcia said.

"When we hold a debate everybody is welcome to participate," he added.

The Comelec kicked off its Pilipinas Debates 2022 earlier this month for presidential and vice presidential candidates.