The final debates for presidential and candidates in the 2022 elections were pushed back by a week, Comelec said Friday, after it's co-organizer from the private sector allegedly failed to pay the hotel venue on time.
The commission apologized to the candidates and hoped that with its postponement, they can all attend the townhall-style gathering, said Commissioner George Erwin Garcia.
The new dates for the debates are April 30 for vice presidential candidates and May 1 for presidential bets.
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"Matutuloy naman po ang debates, 'yun ang pinakaimportante. Ito palagay ko ang pinakahuling debate sa lahat ng debates 'pag nagkataon," he told reporters.
With May 1 being a holiday, the Comelec expects more Filipinos to tune in to the final debates before election day.
Instead of Vote Pilipinas, Comelec will partner with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, which offered their support to host it at a different venue, said Commissioner Aimee Ferolino.
Comelec found out about the alleged bouncing checks just a few days ago, when a Sofitel representative asked for the commission's assistance to collect the payment for the venue, said Garcia.
Ferolino said Comelec was not party to the contract between Sofitel and Vote Pilipinas "but I hope we can address, kung meron man kami obligation on our part."
"As of last night and as of this morning, unfortunately mukhang wala pang tamang direksyon doon sa pag-aayos so 'di naman natin pupuwedeng ma-hostage ang pagho-hold ng debate. Take note that this is of national interest and this is the commitment of the Commission on Elections," Garcia said.
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