Presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos has declined to participate in the panel interview organized by the Commission on Elections, his spokesperson said Thursday, citing his tight schedule two weeks before the May 9 elections.
The poll body will hold the panel interviews with the presidential and vice presidential candidates in lieu of town hall debates, which was supposed to be the concluding event of PiliPinas Debates 2022.
ALSO READ: BBC Asks Bongbong Marcos: Are You Hiding Something?
"With less than two weeks before the May 9 elections, frontrunner Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. has decided to forego his participation in the Comelec’s presidential panel interview which was scheduled on May 1, 2022," said Vic Rodriguez in a statement.
While Marcos appreciates the Comelec's invitation to "such an important event," he opted to finish the 90-day campaign period with visits to his support and comply with previous commitments for political events, including town hall meetings and political rallies, Rodriguez added.
Marcos previously appeared in a one-on-one interview with CNN Philippines where he shared his plan to live inside Malacañang Palace and expand the mandate of the Presidential Commission on Good Government should he win the elections.
The son of the late dictator earlier said that he would attend debates only if his schedule permits.
READ MORE:
Where Was Bongbong Marcos During Comelec Debate Round 2?
Ces Drilon is the Tweet on Debate Night for Zingers Like 'Dedma'
Comelec to Prohibit Debate Skippers from Airing E-Rallies