Comelec may compel bets to attend debates

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing a resolution that will require candidates to attend debates in order to help voters make informed choices in the May 12 polls.

- By RHODINA VILLANUEVA

"It is the candidates' obligation to follow Comelec's rules and regulations. Therefore, we can issue a resolution that will compel them to attend the debates we are endorsing," Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in a radio interview yesterday.

Garcia cited as an example their rules on the submission of pictures, sizes of campaign materials and registration of social media accounts that candidates were able to comply with.

"There is no law that can compel candidates to attend (debates), but we can try that by making it part of our rules," Garcia stressed.

The poll chief pointed out that organizing or hosting debates should be left to media organizations, but under the supervision of and in coordination with the Comelec.

"It is better if we choose our candidates based on their thoughts, stands and emotions on certain issues, which can be learned through debates. We shouldn't just simply vote but we should vote wisely," Garcia said.