Presidential bets say debates key to voter engagement

Presidential candidates generally agree that debates are crucial platforms for presenting their platforms and themselves to voters.

Labor leader Leody de Guzman questioned the non-attendance of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at a CNN Philippines presidential debate, emphasizing its importance for voters to understand candidates' platforms.

Marcos' campaign cited a conflicting schedule as the reason for his decision to skip the debate.

Out of the nine presidential candidates present at the debate, only Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. did not attend.

Former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales viewed debates as valuable opportunities to discuss critical issues impacting Filipinos' lives and futures.

Senator Panfilo Lacson highlighted that debates serve as a level playing field, testing candidates' wisdom, understanding of issues, and character without external aids.