Empty podiums for absentees at CNN presidential, VP debates deemed ‘good move’

For some Filipinos, the talk organizer’s plan to depart the podiums of absent presidential and vice-presidential aspirants on the CNN Philippines debates “empty” is an effective transfer.

The information outlet can be internet hosting the second presidential and first vice presidential debate for 2022 candidates on February 26 and 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the College of Santo Tomas.

Vice presidential bets who will attend on February 26 are Rep. Lito Atienza (Buhay party-list ), former lawmaker Walden Bello, Manny SD Lopez, Rizalito David, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Carlos Serapio, Senate President Tito Sotto and doctor Willie Ong.

Davao Metropolis Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio declined the invite however her group didn’t give a purpose for her absence.

Alternatively, presidential candidates who will attend on February 27 are labor chief Leody de Guzman, ex-presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, heart specialist Jose Montemayor Jr., ex-defense chief Norberto Gonzales, entrepreneur Faisal Mangondato, Sens. Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice President Leni Robredo.

Much like Duterte-Carpio, presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. won’t attend because of the schedules his group “have already confirmed for the UniTeam’s marketing campaign commitments.”

His spokesperson, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, beforehand stated that they don’t seem to be eager on attending boards the place aspirants could be pitted towards one another.

Some members of the UST group beforehand shared of hoping that the 2022 electoral bets would emulate the college’s core values as soon as they step in and interact within the debates.

READ: What Filipinos are hoping for attendees of CNN presidential, VP debates

In keeping with CNN Philippines president Benjamin Ramos, every aspirant could be given a podium. This implies there can be ten podiums for the presidential aspirants, regardless of solely 9 confirmed attendees.

Alternatively, there can be 9 podiums for the vice-presidential bets regardless of solely eight confirming their attendance.

“Now we have already arrange podiums for the ten presidential candidates, so we’ll simply go away it clean and simply look forward to them, simply in case [they change their] thoughts. Hindi natin masabi, baka magbago [ang] isip [nila],” Ramos was quoted as saying.

The debates can be aired reside on CNN Philippines Free TV Channel 9, cnnphilippines.com and CNN Philippines’ official Fb account.

The information outlet on Friday additionally shared a quote card with the small print of the talk.

“We heard you,” a part of its caption reads.

Some Filipinos counseled the organizers for leaving empty podiums for the electoral bets through the occasion.

“That is good. You see the place they had been presupposed to be, you see that they selected to not be there. Regardless of the bias. Candidates ought to have their platforms uncovered, to be examined, to be appraised, and in contrast with the concepts of the competitors,” a Twitter user stated.

“Let their silence be heard as the shortage of their dedication to serve the Filipino individuals,” wrote one other online user.

“Tama ‘yan para malaman ng taong bayan kung sino ang ayaw maglatag ng maayos na plano nila sa Pilipinas. Malalaman din (‘yung) wala talagang malinaw na plataporma,” a Filipino from Fb wrote.

“Tama conduct (thumbs up emoji). Please put their names to the assigned podiums as effectively,” one other Fb consumer stated.

Throughout the first presidential debate for 2022 bets hosted by SMNI, a community owned by controversial church founder Apollo Quiboloy, the podiums devoted to the invited candidates had been additionally empty.

Presidential bets Robredo, Lacson, Pacquiao and Moreno skipped the talk whereas Mangondato and Montemayor weren’t invited.

Marcos, De Guzman, Gonzales and Abella attended the occasion.

Final month, the Fee on Elections underscored the significance of candidates’ attendance in debates.

The ballot physique will host debates for these candidates as effectively. Nonetheless, it has not but been introduced when and the place these would happen.

“It’s vital that candidates take the chance to talk to the general public, to current their plans for presidency in public… particularly now that there’s a lack of in-person alternatives,” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez stated in January.