Comelec holds first presidential debate without Marcos Jr.

Nine out of ten presidential candidates participated in the first presidential debate organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) held at Sofitel in Pasay City on Saturday, March 19.

The debate lasted two and a half hours, focusing on topics such as recovering from the pandemic and addressing rising fuel prices amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Unlike previous debates, candidates were given the opportunity to challenge each other’s answers during this event.

Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., the frontrunner presidential candidate, was absent with his podium left vacant throughout the debate.