Comelec mulls sanctions for candidates skipping debates

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering imposing reasonable sanctions on candidates who skip its organized debates.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez stated that the en banc will discuss and decide on the matter, aiming for a reasonable and appropriate adjustment.

This move comes after calls from various groups to implement stricter penalties beyond the current sanction of forfeiting the right to air e-rallies on the Comelec platform.

Jimenez emphasized the significance of debates for candidates to present their platforms and for fostering an informed electorate.

He also noted that the current penalty is small and affects only an innovation introduced by Comelec, not the candidates' overall campaigns.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia had previously mentioned that the commission desires to impose harsher penalties but is limited by the lack of specific laws for presidential and vice presidential debates.

Garcia also indicated that the commission might consider disqualification if a law permits it, as more debates are scheduled.