PiliPinas Debates 2022

Last updated

PiliPinas Debates 2022
PiliPinas Debates 2022 logo.png
Created by COMELEC
Presented by Various
Country of origin Philippines
No. of episodes3
Production
ProducerVote Pilipinas
Production locations Sofitel Hotel Tent, Pasay
Production companyImpact Hub Manila
Original release
Network Syndication (undetermined original network; see broadcast)
ReleaseMarch 19 (2022-03-19) 
April 3, 2022 (2022-04-03)
Related

PiliPinas Debates 2022: The Turning Point, or simply PiliPinas Debates 2022, was a televised debate series organized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), with the assistance of non-partisan voter education organization Vote Pilipinas [1] [2] as part of the debates for the 2022 Philippine presidential and vice presidential elections.

Contents

The commission, under the law, cannot mandate candidates to join debates though the commission does expect candidates to attend debates that the commission themselves organize, as it presents them with massive exposure, and that it is not counted on the limits of the airtime that they are allowed to advertise on broadcast networks. [3]

Unlike the debates in the 2016 elections, three presidential debates and two vice presidential debates were planned to be held. [1] However, the April 23 & 24 debates were postponed to April 30 and May 1 respectively until it was eventually cancelled, thus prematurely ending the debates. The debates were replaced by the PiliPinas Forum 2022 , a televised interview series. [4]

Background

On November 11, 2021, amid preparations for the 2022 elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed that they will organize debates for both candidates running for president and vice-president by January 2022. Unlike the debates from 2016, where they let media organizations organize the official debates, the commission will organize the debates themselves. They earlier planned to hold seven debates: three debates each per position and a primary debate, as a teaser for the upcoming debates series. [5] By January 2022, the COMELEC said they might forego with the teaser debates, as the number of candidates have been reduced to a more manageable number. [6]

COMELEC partnered with Impact Hub Manila for the production of PiliPinas Debates 2022. [7] Impact Hub Manila also organized the Vote Pilipinas campaign with COMELEC, which aimed to provide non-partisan comprehensive information on candidates. [8] The COMELEC signed a formal agreement with Vote Pilipinas on March 7, 2022. [9] [10] [2] The debates were held at the Sofitel Hotel Tent in Pasay. [11] [12]

A total of five debates were planned, however only three were held. This is due to Impact Hub's inability to pay ₱14 million, or 68.4 percent of its ₱20.6-million contract with hotel operator Sofitel. The cancelled debates were supposed to be held on April 23 and 24 [13] before they were postponed to April 30 and May 1. [14] COMELEC, along with its new partner, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas organized the PiliPinas Forum 2022 , an interview series with the candidates, in its place. [4]

Format

The commission stated that the debates were to focus on the candidates' platforms and plans. [15] Each debate had a set of predetermined topics, while the questions were obtained from sector groups. [9] While candidates were informed of the topics to be addressed by the debates, [16] they were not given questions in advance nor allowed to bring prepared notes, although they were allowed to take notes on the other candidates during the debate. [17] The venue had ten podiums for the presidential debates regardless of actual attendance.

The first three debates were moderated by one person and lasted for three hours. Candidates drew lots to determine who would answer the first question, while the following questions were answered by candidates in alphabetical order. Each candidate was given one minute and a half to speak, [1] [15] [18] although the second debate extended this by 30 seconds. The last two back-to-back debates were supposed to be held in a town hall format, with two moderators and a post-debate roundtable. [10]

Candidates followed safety protocols stated by Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). The debates had no audience participation due to the risks of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; [19] the last two debates were supposed to feature both remote and in-person audiences. [1]

Summary

DateModerator(s)Topics
Presidential debates
March 19 Luchi Cruz-Valdes Economy and COVID-19 pandemic [20]
April 3 Ces Drilon Government accountability, domestic policy and foreign relations [21]
April 30Cancelled [13] [14]
Vice presidential debates
March 20Ruth CabalGovernment accountability and domestic policy [22]
May 1Cancelled [13] [14]

Debates

March 19 presidential debate

Nine presidential candidates posed for posterity before the start of the first debate on March 19, 2022 PiliPinas Debates 2022 - 1st Presidential Debates.jpg
Nine presidential candidates posed for posterity before the start of the first debate on March 19, 2022

The first debate of the series took place on Saturday, March 19, 2022. While no live audience was allowed to watch, seating was made available for the candidates' preparation teams. Luchi Cruz-Valdes moderated the debate. [17] All but one candidate, Bongbong Marcos, attended the debate. [23]

Topics addressed

The debate focused on two key issues, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery. [20] Each candidate was given 90 seconds to answer each question, while 30 seconds were allotted for other candidates to state their rebuttals.

Economic policies and employment

Candidates were asked what sector they will prioritize to revive the economy. [24] Ernesto Abella selected the agricultural sector, vowing to make the Philippines an "agricultural powerhouse." Leody de Guzman and Isko Moreno also selected agriculture; De Guzman pushed for the repeal of the Rice Tariffication Law, while Moreno vowed to pursue food security. Norberto Gonzales selected job creation as his focus, stating that he will push for cheaper access to capital for businesses. Jose Montemayor Jr. for his part vowed to employ "fiscal and monetary policy." Faisal Magondato did not pick a specific sector. Manny Pacquiao stated that he will focus on attracting investments, promoting exports, and smarter government spending. Panfilo Lacson and Leni Robredo picked the small and medium-sized enterprises sector, with Robredo promising to make a 100 billion-peso (US$1.9 billion) stimulus package for small businesses.

Regarding the unemployment of fresh graduates, the candidates proposed various solutions. [24] Abella stressed the need for a program for students affected by the pandemic. De Guzman promised to strengthen Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) centers. Moreno vowed to invest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and agriculture for state universities. [25] Gonzales commented that it would take some time to upskill workers, emphasizing the need to focus on self-generated jobs instead. Lacson suggested easing restrictions and pushed for the continuation of work-from-home setups. Magondato promised to provide capital to unemployed Filipinos for starting businesses. Montemayor denounced what he called "discrimination" against unvaccinated workers. Pacquiao vowed to focus on creating jobs. Robredo cited the low quality of education as the problem, vowing to raise the education budget to 6% of the country's GDP.

Amidst the rise of oil prices, almost all candidates agreed that the excise tax should be suspended, although they recognized that it would not be enough. Almost all candidates also agreed on the proposed 4-day work week, but with reservations.

Healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic

The presidential bets gave different proposals regarding the pandemic. [24] Mangondato stated that the government should lessen its dependence on importing treatments for the disease. Montemayor emphasized the need to test, trace, and treat. He later called out the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), incorrectly stating that it was composed of lawyers. He was quickly corrected by Moreno. Pacquiao said the people must learn to live with COVID. He also mentioned that international borders should be closed to prevent a surge. Robredo asserted the need to boost testing and vaccination to withstand another surge. Abella promised to form a "health security council" to consult all stakeholders while highlighting the need for free mass testing and eliminating vaccine hesitancy. De Guzman stated that the government should not make the pandemic a "business." He also stated that more healthcare workers should be hired. Moreno vowed to reform PhilHealth. Gonzales agreed with Robredo's statement, and added that he would also appeal to the United Nations to stop Western countries from turning the pandemic into a "business." Lacson promised to establish a virology center.

Infrastructure development

The candidates gave mixed reactions regarding the success of the Duterte administration's Build! Build! Build! (BBB) infrastructure program. [26] Abella praised the program and vowed to continue it. De Guzman criticized BBB, stating that the funds for the projects should have been used for the government's pandemic response instead. Moreno stated that the program was a success and also promised to continue the program, although he would focus on housing and hospitals. Gonzales said that he would examine if BBB was successful in connecting the country. Meanwhile, Lacson emphasized that there were numerous projects yet to be completed. He will continue the program but will prioritize public–private partnerships (PPPs) instead of official development assistance (ODA). Magondato answered vaguely, promising to focus on improving Filipinos' lives. Montemayor promised to honor infrastructure contracts. Pacquiao assured that he will continue BBB but will focus on housing and Mindanao projects. Robredo also vowed to continue the program, though PPPs will be prioritized.

Other topics

The candidates were asked about what they learned during their campaigns. [27] Moreno commented that he saw that development was focused in Metro Manila, vowing that if elected, he will focus on countryside development. Gonzales stated that he observed that the country's political system is problematic, hindering development. Lacson spoke of the disconnect that he observed in the allocation of resources between the national and local governments. Magondato stated that he learned that to empower LGUs, there is a need to shift to federalism. Montemayor agreed with him and praised the Supreme Court for the Mandanas ruling. Pacquiao said his desire to fight corruption was strengthened by his exposure to poverty. Robredo said that even before the campaign period, she immersed herself in many communities and listened to their concerns. According to her, these experiences shaped her policies and projects as a congresswoman and vice president.

After De Guzman brought up the issue of funding for aid, Moreno brought up the 203 billion-peso (US$3.8 billion) tax liabilities of the Marcos family. Moreno, Robredo, Lacson, and de Guzman called on the heirs of the elder Marcos to pay the estate and income taxes owed to the state. [28]

All candidates denounced fake news and disinformation and asserted that social media to be controlled and held accountable. Robredo also mentioned that she was the number one victim of fake news, while Marcos was the number one beneficiary of disinformation. [29]

Closing statements

Abella stressed the need for the government to listen to its citizens. De Guzman called for changing the government's system and warned that nothing will change if the next president was rich, supported by the rich, or part of a political dynasty. [30] Gonzales appealed to voters to make the right decision. [31] Lacson cited his stint as the Chief of the Philippine National Police and pointed out that he is the only candidate who risked his life for the country. [32] Magondato stated that he offers a change for the country's "rotten system." [33] Montemayor vowed "Godly leadership" and peace and also promised to abolish the IATF and mandatory vaccination. [34] [35] Moreno highlighted his life experiences and called himself a "crisis manager" that the country needs. [36] Pacquiao recalled his origins as a person from poverty and declared that he was trustworthy and honest. [37] Robredo emphasized the need for leaders to be present in difficult situations and asserted that she is the only one who has been present for Filipinos during the pandemic and the typhoon season. [38]

Reception

Commissioner George Garcia lauded the debate, stating that it was "not perfect, but highly successful." [39] He also praised the nine candidates who attended, calling them the "magnificent nine." Marcos was criticized for skipping the debate. [40]

March 20 vice presidential debate

The second debate of the series was held on March 20, 2022. Broadcaster Ruth Cabal moderated the debate. Two candidates, Lito Atienza and Sara Duterte, did not attend the debate, with the former being absent due to health reasons. Each candidate were allotted two minutes to answer a question and another 30 seconds their rebuttal.

Topics addressed

The debate centered on government accountability and domestic policy. [41] [42]

Government accountability and corruption

When asked about whether they favor having a single anti-corruption agency, the candidates gave several answers. [43] Walden Bello sang "Where Are You?" and addressed it to the Marcos–Duterte tandem; in the song, he urged Marcos to pay the estate tax owed by the Marcos family. [44] Rizalito David favored keeping the current setup but added that it needed to be made more effective. Manny SD Lopez rejected the proposal to make an anti-corruption agency, asserting that present institutions such as the courts and media are sufficient for countering corruption. He also suggested to make corruption a crime punishable by death. Willie Ong proposed making Commission on Audit (COA) reports and statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALNs) public, but that there must be due process. Francis Pangilinan suggested strengthening and modernizing the judiciary. Carlos Serapio commented that there needs to be "internal change." Tito Sotto proposed an internal cleansing of the government. His suggestion was expounded on by David and Serapio. David commented that the country would be more progressive if leaders listened to "what God is telling," while Serapio noted that the government's current system "betrays public trust" and likened it to the fable of the turtle and scorpion. Bello later made allegations of corruption in several Davao City projects, such as the Davao City coastal road project and the PUV modernization program. [45]

Other candidates also raised questions at the candidates who are incumbent senators. Lopez also asserted that the presence of pork barrel is correlated with corruption. Pangilinan emphasized his track record, stating that in his three terms, he had never been implicated in a corruption case. Sotto highlighted his proposed budget reform program that will enable local governments to propose their own budgets in the national budget. For his part, Serapio asked the senators if there was a monopoly of economic and political power among political families and oligarchies, which made it difficult to address corruption. Sotto reemphasized his proposal to reform the national expenditure program, saying that the national government had a monopoly. Pangilinan noted that he was a principal author of an anti-dynasty bill in the Senate, but it had not been passed due to time restraints.

Health and the COVID-19 pandemic

The candidates gave several reactions regarding the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bello criticized the government for its supposedly dismal and "militaristic" approach to the pandemic. David agreed with Bello and added that the government ignored proposals from experts. Lopez stated that the response was initially slow but improved. Ong warned of a future surge in cases and emphasized the need for infectious disease hospitals and a center for disease control. Pangilinan suggested free testing and proper compensation for healthcare workers. Sotto stated that the country should produce its own vaccines and medical supplies and also highlighted the need to properly compensate health workers. Serapio stated that the government had "done its best" and asked his fellow candidates about how they will implement their suggested programs. Sotto commented that Ong's proposal to establish infectious disease hospitals could take two to three years, suggesting instead to convert districts hospitals into infectious disease hospitals, using the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila as an example. Ong pointed out that the San Lazaro Hospital is old and emphasized that medicines should be made cheaper and alternative medicine should be considered. Bello agreed with Sotto's suggestion to manufacture vaccines locally, and added that the government should break companies' monopoly on trade-related intellectual property rights, particularly vaccines. Lopez stated that people should be educated about the viral life cycle. David suggested that local governments should be given more power to decide on what to do with their constituents. Two candidates, Pangilinan and Sotto, also questioned the decreased budget for research and development.

Domestic policy

All candidates agreed that the 200-peso fuel subsidy given by the government was insufficient to address the rise of oil prices. [46] Bello, Pangilinan, and Sotto all suggested to suspend excise taxes on fuel, with Sotto also suggesting tax breaks and wage hikes. David stated that the government should help small businesses. Lopez commented that oil companies should not increase prices as they have reserves. Ong reiterated his running mate's proposal of cutting fuel and energy taxes. Serapio proposed an "energy relief" program.

The candidates were also asked about what expertise they can offer to the president. Bello refused to answer the question and repeated his criticism of the Marcos–Duterte tandem for not attending debates. David stated that he will push for making a commission to address the country's "moral, ethical and spiritual problems." Lopez said that he will propose a recovery package to the president, and help with issues around geopolitics and international relations. Ong promised to suggest measures to improve food safety and address mental health issues. He added that the drug war should be undergo changes and should be treated as a health problem. Pangilinan vowed to focus on improving agriculture. Serapio stated that he will do whatever the president will assign to him.

Other topics

As the 1987 Constitution does not mandate any specific powers and roles for the vice president, the candidates were asked about what should be added if the constitution would be amended. [47] Lopez says that the vice president must assume the presidency in emergencies. Ong pushed for tandem voting; Serapio agreed with him. Pangilinan also supported Ong's suggestion, but added that the roles given by the current constitution was already enough. Bello disagreed with tandem voting, stating the need for checks and balances in the government. Sotto suggested that the vice president can be the Senate President or a presiding officer of the Senate. David instead pushed for changing the country's system from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system.

Bello hit Duterte for refusing to participate in debates, and made several allegations about Davao City being the "drug center of the south" controlled by a Duterte family member. [45] Bello also criticized Pangilinan for abstaining from voting on the Rice Tariffication Law. The other candidates also commented on Duterte's absence.

Closing statements

Bello said that he and his running mate, De Guzman, were different from the other candidates, and listed their platform. He also stated that their vision was democratic socialism. David called for a grand coalition to defeat the Marcos–Duterte ticket. [48] Lopez spoke of his experiences in the private and public sector, and vowed to pursue what is best for the country. Ong emphasized his role as a doctor, stating that his goal is to help Filipinos live longer, citing the risk of another pandemic surge or nuclear war. Pangilinan expressed his concern over rising food prices, and vowed to address the issue of food security if elected. [49] Serapio reminded the public to get to know the candidates that they are voting for. Sotto reiterated his long tenure in the Senate, and stated that he knows the problems of the country well. He added that he ran for the vice presidency because he was tired of making laws that were not being implemented.

Reception

Bello's allegations of corruption and proliferation of drugs in the city were countered by the Davao City government. Duterte's regional party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago, also requested an investigation over Bello's claims, and added that Bello was a "narcopolitician" as he purportedly withheld information from law enforcement authorities. [50] He was later named persona non grata by the Davao City council. [45]

Broadcast

All domestic television and radio broadcasters committed to air PiliPinas Debates 2022. GMA Network, on their part, broadcast the debate on DepEd TV. COMELEC streamed the debate on its social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. [51]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Francis Pangilinan</span> Filipino senator

Francis Pancratius "Kiko" Nepomuceno Pangilinan is a Filipino lawyer, politician, and farm owner who served as a Senator from 2001 to 2013 and from 2016 to 2022. He was the Senate Majority Leader from 2004 to 2008.

Ang Kapatiran Party, also known as the Alliance for the Common Good, is a political party in the Philippines founded by Reynaldo "Nandy" Pacheco in 2004. The party participated in the 2007 elections and was not affiliated with either major coalition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Philippine presidential election</span> Presidential race in the Philippines

The 2016 Philippine presidential and vice presidential elections were held on Monday, May 9, 2016, as part of the 2016 general election. This was the 16th direct presidential election in the Philippines since 1935 and the fifth sextennial presidential election since 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leni Robredo</span> Vice President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022

Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo is a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the 14th vice president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. She previously served as the representative of the 3rd district of Camarines Sur from 2013 to 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Philippine Senate election</span> Philippine election

The 2016 election of members to the Senate of the Philippines was the 32nd election of members to the Senate of the Philippines. The seats of 12 senators elected in 2010 were filled during this election. The winners in this election joined the winners of the 2013 election to form the 17th Congress of the Philippines. The senators elected in 2013 served until June 30, 2019, while the senators elected in this election would serve up to June 30, 2022.

This is a list of candidates in the 2016 Philippine presidential and vice presidential elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Philippine Senate election</span> 33rd election of members to the Senate of the Philippines

The 2019 election of members to the Senate of the Philippines was the 33rd election of members to the Senate of the Philippines for a six-year term. It was held on May 13, 2019.

Opinion polling, locally known as surveys, in the 2016 Philippine presidential and vice presidential elections is conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS), Pulse Asia, and other pollsters. The last electoral votes were cast on Monday, May 9, 2016.

In most polls (surveys) for the Senate, a respondent is given the option to give up to 12 names.

The Luzon leg of the PiliPinas Debates 2016 is the third and final presidential debate of the 2016 Philippine elections, was held at the University of Pangasinan in Dagupan on April 24, 2016. It was organized by COMELEC and KBP with ABS-CBN, and Manila Bulletin as media partners.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Philippine presidential election</span> 20th presidential election in the Philippines

The 2022 Philippine presidential and vice presidential elections were held on May 9, 2022, as part of the 2022 general election. This was the 17th direct presidential election and 16th vice presidential election in the Philippines since 1935, and the sixth sextennial presidential and vice presidential election since 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Partido Federal ng Pilipinas</span> Political party in the Philippines

Partido Federal ng Pilipinas is a national political party in the Philippines. It is chaired by Bongbong Marcos, president of the Philippines who won by a landslide in the 2022 election. During the run-up to the 2022 general election, the UniTeam Alliance was formed by the PFP, Lakas–CMD, HNP, and PMP, with guest candidates from other parties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Philippine general election</span> National, provincial, and local elections in the country

The 2022 Philippine general election took place on May 9, 2022, for the executive and legislative branches of government at every level – national, provincial, and local – except for the barangay officials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Philippine Senate election</span> 34th Philippine senatorial election

The 2022 Philippine Senate election was the 34th election of members to the Senate of the Philippines for a six-year term. It was held on May 9, 2022.

This is a list of candidates in the 2022 Philippine Senate election.

This is a list of candidates in the 2022 Philippine presidential and vice presidential elections.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leni Robredo 2022 presidential campaign</span>

The 2022 presidential campaign of Leni Robredo began on October 7, 2021, when she filed her candidacy for the 2022 Philippine presidential election. At the time of her filing, Leni Robredo was the incumbent vice president of the Philippines, to remain so until June 30, 2022. Robredo was also formerly a representative of Camarines Sur's 3rd congressional district, from 2013 to 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bongbong Marcos 2022 presidential campaign</span> Presidential campaign for the 2022 Philippine presidential elections

The 2022 presidential campaign of Bongbong Marcos began on October 6, 2021, when he filed his candidacy for the 2022 Philippine presidential elections under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Bongbong Marcos, a former senator from 2010 to 2016, is the son of former president Ferdinand Marcos.

Numerous organizations have held debates for the 2022 Philippine presidential and vice presidential elections. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will organize five debates, three of which are for the presidential candidates, and the other two for the vice presidential candidates. Candidates, though not required to participate in debates, are expected to attend as it presents them with massive exposure not counted on the limits of the airtime that they are allowed to advertise on broadcast networks. The first COMELEC-organized presidential debate was held on March 19, 2022, while the vice presidential debate was held the following day.

<i>PiliPinas Forum 2022</i> Filipino TV series or program

PiliPinas Forum 2022 is a televised interview series produced under the partnership of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP). It is intended to feature candidates of 2022 Philippine presidential and vice presidential elections.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Patinio, Ferdinand (March 5, 2022). "1st presidential debate will run for 3 hrs: Comelec". www.pna.gov.ph. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  2. 1 2 "COMELEC to Formalize Agreement to Stage Pilipinas Debates 2022" (PDF) (Press release). Intramuros, Manila: Commission on Elections (Philippines). March 5, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  3. Mendoza, John Eric (January 18, 2022). "Comelec is confident candidates will join debates, says spox". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  4. 1 2 de Villa, Kathleen (April 30, 2022). "'Debate fiasco' probe prompts suspension call". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  5. Patinio, Ferdinand (November 11, 2021). "Comelec eyes start of nat'l poll debates by January 2022". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
  6. Medenilla, Samuel P. (January 4, 2022). "Comelec may scrap 'teaser' debates for May elections". BusinessMirror. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  7. "Comelec to stage 3 presidential, 2 VP debates for Halalan 2022". ABS-CBN News. March 7, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  8. "Comelec, Impact Hub Manila to launch info campaign on candidates". BusinessWorld. February 16, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  9. 1 2 Ramos, Marlon (March 6, 2022). "Comelec bares debate details". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  10. 1 2 Ramirez, Robertzon. "Presidential, Vice Presidential debates to feature unique component – Comelec". Philstar.com. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  11. "WATCH: What does the Comelec debate venue look like?". Rappler. March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  12. "#Halalan2022: Comelec all set for first presidential debate". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  13. 1 2 3 Depasupil, William (April 29, 2022). "Comelec, KBP sign pact on candidates' interviews". The Manila Times. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  14. 1 2 3 Gonzales, Cathrine (April 22, 2022). "Comelec reschedules presidential, VP debates to April 30, May 1". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
  15. 1 2 "Comelec debates will be fair, focus on candidates' platforms, says spokesman". ABS-CBN News . March 3, 2022.
  16. Sarao, Zacarian (March 1, 2022). "Comelec will inform candidates of debate topics". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  17. 1 2 "COMELEC, all set na para sa gagawing Pilipinas Debates 2022". RMN Networks (in Filipino and English). Radyo Manila. March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  18. "Experts weigh in on Comelec debate rules". CNN Philippines . February 25, 2022. Archived from the original on February 25, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  19. "Comelec eyes 3 in-person debates for presidential, VP bets for 2022 polls". CNN Philippines . October 28, 2021. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021.
  20. 1 2 Depasupil, William (March 19, 2022). "9 presidential bets tackle pandemic, economy in first Comelec debate". The Manila Times . Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  21. De Leon, Dwight (March 31, 2022). "Comelec shakes up April 3 debate format; bets to face off in groups of 3". Rappler . Retrieved March 31, 2022.
  22. "Vice-presidential bets to debate over domestic policies, government accountability". SunStar . March 20, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  23. Patinio, Ferdinand (March 19, 2022). "9 presidential bets show up for Comelec debate". Philippine News Agency . Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  24. 1 2 3 "Comelec's PiliPinas Presidential Debates 2022 proper". The Philippine Star . March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  25. "Moreno vows STEM, agriculture investment to make Filipinos competitive". The Philippine Star . March 21, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  26. "Presidential hopefuls weigh in on Duterte's 'Build, Build, Build'". CNN Philippines . March 20, 2022. Archived from the original on March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  27. Lalu, Gabriel Pabico Lalu (March 20, 2022). "Presidential bets see widespread poverty while touring PH". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  28. Mercado, Neil Arwin (March 16, 2022). "Marcos Jr. claims 'fake news involved' in ill-gotten wealth, estate tax cases". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 21, 2022.
  29. Casilao, Joahnna Lei; Panti, Llanesca (March 19, 2022). "Robredo: I'm top target, Marcos top beneficiary of fake news". GMA News Online. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  30. "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Leody De Guzman's closing statement". ABS-CBN News . March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  31. "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Norberto Gonzales' closing statement". ABS-CBN News . March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  32. "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Ping Lacson's closing statement". ABS-CBN News . March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  33. "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Faisal Mangondato's closing statement". ABS-CBN News . March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  34. "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Jose Montemayor's closing statement". ABS-CBN News . March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  35. Reyes, Rizal Raoul (March 20, 2022). "Montemayor wants IATF abolished, says vaxx policies impede work resumption". BusinessMirror. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  36. "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Isko Moreno's closing statement". ABS-CBN News . March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  37. "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Manny Pacquiao's closing statement". ABS-CBN News . March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  38. "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Leni Robredo's closing statement". ABS-CBN News . March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  39. "Garcia on 1st presidential debate: 'Not perfect but highly successful'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  40. "Some Mindanaoans jeer at Marcos for skipping Comelec debate". RAPPLER. March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  41. "Vice-presidential bets to debate over domestic policies, government accountability". SunStar . March 20, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  42. "LIVE: PiliPinas Debates 2022: The Turning Point". Philstar.com. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  43. "Vice presidential bets suggest ways to combat corruption". GMA News Online. March 20, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  44. Mendoza, John Eric (March 21, 2022). "Bello sings a Sinatra tune to Marcos, Duterte: 'Where Are You?'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  45. 1 2 3 Valmonte, Kaycee (March 22, 2022). "Walden Bello 'persona non grata' in Davao City over drugs, corruption comments". Philstar.com. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  46. "Fuel excise tax freeze divides VP candidates". The Manila Times. March 21, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  47. Sarao, Zacarian (March 20, 2022). "Candidates split on 'tandem voting,' more powers for VP". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  48. Medenilla, Samuel (March 21, 2022). "VP bet David calls for 'grand coalition' to 'defeat' consistent survey leaders BBM-Sara | Samuel P. Medenilla". BusinessMirror. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  49. "Pangilinan hopes last man standing in VP race would be a farmer". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  50. Colina, Antonio IV (March 22, 2022). "Sara's regional party calls Bello 'narco-politician'". MindaNews. Retrieved April 25, 2022.
  51. "Comelec: All channels to air Pilipinas Debates 2022". Manila Bulletin. March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.