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Philippines

Garcia on 1st presidential debate: 'Not perfect but highly successful'

Philippines

Garcia on 1st presidential debate: 'Not perfect but highly successful'

By Leslie Ann Aquino

Although the presidential bets were incomplete, an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) believes their presidential debate on Saturday, March 19, was highly successful.

The Presidential debate organized by Comission on Election at Sofitel Tent in Pasay City on Saturday night, March 19, 2022, which was attended by only nine out of ten candidates namely former presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, labor leader Leody de Guzman, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, former defense chief Norberto Gonzales, Senator Ping Lacson, Faisal Mangondato, Jose Montemayor Jr., Senator Manny Pacquiao and Vice President Leni Robredo. An empty podium is seen on stage, which is alloted to former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who declined the Comelec's invitation. (Noel B. Pabalate)

"It is not perfect but highly successful. Let us focus on those who are present and the things that they said and will be doing for the country," Comelec Commissioner George Garcia, the commissioner in charge of the poll body's Debate Committee, said in a message.

"We made the invitation and the magnificent nine arrived. How can we even ask for more?" he added.

During the presidential debate at Sofitel Tent in Pasay City, all presidential bets were present except for former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Present were Ernesto Abella, Leody de Guzman, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Norberto Gonzales, Panfilo Lacson, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Faisal Mangondato, Jose Montemayor Jr., and Vice President Leni Robredo.

The Comelec will also hold Vice-Presidential Debates on March 20. There will also be a second Presidential Debates on April 3.

The Presidential and Vice Presidential Town Hall Debates will be held on April 23 and 24, respectively.

Related Tags

commissioner george garcia Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Comelec Jr. Commission on Elections

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