Comelec wants law to penalize candidates skipping debates

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia is urging Congress to pass a law mandating presidential candidates to participate in debates in every election, proposing sanctions for those who refuse to attend.

Garcia mentioned that the Comelec is consulting with its law and education information departments to explore potential sanctions for candidates skipping debates.

He acknowledged that any sanctions imposed by the Comelec could face legal challenges regarding constitutionality, especially in the absence of a law.

The Commissioner hopes that after the May 2022 elections, a law can be enacted to ensure presidential debates become a regular feature in future electoral processes.

Former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. was the only presidential candidate among 10 who skipped the Comelec-organized debate this month, while his running mate, Sara Duterte-Carpio, also missed the vice-presidential debate.

Comelec previously stated it would bar candidates who snub debates from live-streamed e-rallies on its Facebook page, a sanction described as "weak" by vice-presidential candidate Walden F. Bello.