MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) plans to begin the primary round of presidential debates as early as January.
Spokesperson James Jimenez stated that the poll body is planning to hold a total of seven debates for presidential and vice presidential candidates. Jimenez said, “We’re looking at one primary debate, three presidential debates, and three vice presidential debates.”
Debates might also be held in a “hybrid” set up where audiences watch virtually while candidates attend in-person. Jimenez stated that at least three hybrid debates are expected due to the pandemic.
Jimenez also said that campaign guidelines are being discussed by the poll body. They will come up with a “classification system” that would be in accordance with local areas’ alert level status.