Presidential candidate Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has suggested that presidential candidates invited to the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-sponsored debates should be required to wear earmuffs to avoid copying of ideas or answers.

This would make presidential debates more exciting with all candidates bringing their A-game by offering original thoughts as they would be asked to cover their ears when it is not yet their turn to speak, Lacson said.

Lacson and Vice President Leni Robredo were noticeably adept at expressing their thoughts on issues highlighted by data at their fingertips.

Asked what would the possible ‘’winner’’ focus on in the first days of his or her presidency in last week’s first edition of the ‘PiliPinas Debates 2022: The Turning Point’, the candidates said their focus would be on agriculture.

When it was his turn, Lacson did not join the chorus but instead stressed that he would focus on improving the micro-, small, and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) as they provide the backbone to the economy.

Decades ago, a US TV show had participants locked in booths when it is not yet their turn to answer.

The second edition of the Comelec-sponsored presidential debate is on April 3.

Lacson issued this statement Tuesday on the sidelines of his visit to Gapan City, Nueva Ecija with running mate Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ C. Sotto III.

The tandem was interviewed by journalists following their courtesy call on Gapan City Mayor Emerson ‘Emeng’ Pascual. Lacson said they designed their national campaign by holding dialogues with multisectoral organizations, which has been working to their advantage during debates.

Since the official campaign period started, Lacson and Sotto maximized the opportunity to go around the country and speak directly to voters from all walks of life including those who belong in the agriculture, business, healthcare, persons with disability, and public transport sectors, among others.

“Kaya nakakasagot kami sa debate e, 'yung iba nangongopya, kinokopya 'yung sagot namin (That’s why we are always prepared during debates unlike the others who were just copying our answers). Isa-suggest ko nga sa Comelec dapat naka-earmuff lahat 'yung (kandidato) para hindi naririnig 'yung mga sagot namin (I would even suggest for the Comelec that maybe they should require all candidates to wear earmuffs, so they would not hear our answers),’’ Lacson explained.

Sotto, for his part, noted that out of the seven elections he participated in throughout his political career, he considers his ongoing campaign with Lacson as the most meaningful because they get to spend valuable time with the electorate.

‘'Because what we’re doing—dialogues, town hall meetings—they are beneficial for both sides. We are learning something from what our countrymen are sharing with us... And they, too, get educated about what they should do... Unlike before, with the rallies, crowds are screaming (but) did the listeners learn something from you? None,’’ Sotto added.