Presidential candidate and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno" Domagoso said he will be joining the organized panel interview of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as long as his schedule permits.

"Basta libre 'yung oras, bakit hindi (As long as my schedule is free, why not?)” he said in an ambush interview during his visit in Carles, Iloilo.

"Marami pa tayong probinsyang pupuntahan at mga munisipyo (We still have many provinces and municipalities to go to). But if the schedule will allow, I will be happy to join," he said.

The poll body canceled the concluding event of its Vice-Presidential and Presidential Town Hall Debates and announced that it will be adopting a single candidate or team – panel interview format.

The Manila mayor underscored anew the importance of debates because the Filipino people deserve to hear the objectives of those who are seeking a position in government.

"Ang naga-apply sa trabaho, hindi naman namimili kung paano siya iinterviewhin ng kaniyang future employer (The job applicant does not choose how his future employer will interview him),” he said.

"Kapag naga-apply ka ng trabaho, sina-submit mo ang sarili mo sa interviewer, in this case, taongbayan. Kailangan makita ng taong bayan kung ano ang layunin mo (When you apply for a job, you submit yourself to the interviewer, in this case, to people. The people need to see what your purpose is),” he added.

Meanwhile, vice presidential candidate Dr. Willie Ong said he is also willing to participate in the event although he prefers the debate format.

"Mas gusto ko sana may mga debates... Lalo na sa vice president, medyo kulang. Nakulangan kami (I would prefer to have debates... especially for vice presidential candidates. It was not enough),” he said.

The Comelec is set to issue the guidelines or rules of the forum Tuesday, April 26.