Rappler
Comelec cancels debates after P14-M debt mess, sets KBP forum instead
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has canceled its final presidential and vice presidential debates due to scheduling conflicts among candidates.
The debates were originally set for April 23 and 24, then rescheduled to April 30 and May 1.
This cancellation follows issues with the Comelec's former contractor, Impact Hub Manila, which failed to pay venue fees, leading to bounced checks.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez was directed by Commissioner Rey Bulay to submit a written explanation regarding the postponement issues.
Comelec Commissioner George Garcia called the situation 'unfortunate' and assured that no public funds were used, with liability to be determined.
Instead of debates, the Comelec and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) will hold a taped candidates' forum from May 2 to 6, allowing one-hour interviews for each participant.
Some candidates, like Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III, are likely to skip the forum, while others have conditional attendance.
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) postponed its final presidential and vice-presidential debates due to a P14.095 million unpaid debt owed by its contractor, Impact Hub Manila, to the debate venue, Sofitel Garden Plaza.
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Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay acknowledged that the deal with debate contractor Impact Hub Manila is questionable, especially after the presidential and vice presidential town hall debates were canceled.
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has changed the format of the final presidential and vice presidential debates to a panel interview format, renamed "COMELEC-KBP Pilipinas Forum 2022", due to issues with the organizing partner, Impact Hub Manila.
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Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson and his running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, are likely to skip the final Commission on Elections (Comelec) debates due to a sudden schedule change.
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Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay has recommended the temporary relief of Comelec spokesman James Jimenez and his deputy from media duties due to a P14-million debt incurred by their partner, Impact Hub Manila.
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