Comelec's PiliPinas Presidential Debates 2022 proper

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia identifies the presidential and vice presidential candidates who agreed to do the Comelec-KBP panel Interviews.

Six out of ten candidates running for the country’s highest position confirmed their attendance, particularly Ernesto Abella, Leody de Guzman, Norberto Gonzales, Faisal Mangondato, Jose Montemayor and Manny Pacquiao.

Meanwhile, four out of nine candidates running for vice president agreed to do the panel interview. These are: Rizalito David, Manny Lopez, Carlos Serapio and Vicente Sotto III.

There will no longer be vice presidential and presidential townhall debates, the Comelec announces Monday.

The last leg of the Comelec-sanctioned debates were supposed to be on April 30 and May 1. — report from TV5/Greg Gregorio

The Commission on Elections will not proceed with the vice presidential and presidential debates on April 23 and 24, respectively.

The poll body says the debates will be rescheduled on April 30 and May 1.

Presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declines to answer when asked if he will attend the second round of debates organized by the Commission on Elections. — The STAR/Ralph Villanueva 

The presidential candidates deliver their closing statement.

Most presidential candidates say any relief from suspension of excise taxes on fuel would not be enough. But majority of them want the levies suspended nevertheless.

Presidential aspirants answer the final question: At this point, what important lessons have you learned that helped you strengthen your plans?

• Isko Moreno-Domagoso said he saw how Metro Manila has been “spoiled” in terms of economic development. 
• Norberto Gonzales said the country’s political system is very problematic. 
• Panfilo Lacson said he saw the disconnect in the allocation of resources between the national government and local government units which, he said, must be given a bigger role in developing policies in their own localities.
• Faisal Mangondato said he learned that there's a great need for federalism to empower LGUs.
• Jose Montemayor Jr. also wants to empower LGUs, praised the Supreme Court for the Mandanas ruling.
• Manny Pacquiao said his exposure to poverty strengthened his desire to fight corruption.
• Leni Robredo said she has immersed herself in communities even before the campaign period. 

Presidential candidates are being asked about their plans on job security and livelihood projects for those entering the work force.

• Ernesto Abella: There’s a need for a program that would bridge learning gaps among students hit by the pandemic.
• Leody De Guzman would strengthen TESDA centers to train students.
• Isko Moreno-Domagoso said he would invest in STEM and agriculture for state universities.
• Norberto Gonzales: Upskilling workers would take some time.
• Panfilo Lacson called for more easing of restrictions so jobs lost at the height of lockdowns could return. 
• Faisal Mangondato said he would give capital to unemployed Filipinos so they can start their own business.
• Jose Montemayor Jr., a doctor, slammed what he perceived as "discrimination" against unvaccinated workers. 
• Manny Pacquiao said he would focus on job creation.
• Leni Robredo said low quality of education has been the problem ever since.

Presidential candidates answer the question: Is the Philippines ready to face another COVID-19 surge?

• Faisal Mangondato: The government should not just rely on international support and look at "discovered" medicines in the country.
• Jose Montemayor: "Prevention is the best part of managing the whole thing."
• Manny Pacquiao: “Tuloy po ang hanap buhay ng mga tao… kailangan sumunod sila sa protocols ng IATF.”
• Leni Robredo: Vaccination is key to withstanding another surge.
• Ernesto Abella would form a "health security council" to consult all stakeholders.
• Leody De Guzman: The government should not make the pandemic a "business". 
• Isko Moreno-Domagoso said he would improve the country's healthcare system by fixing state-health insurer Philhealth.
• Panfilo Lacson would establish a virology center.
• Norberto Gonzales agreed with Robredo that ramping up vaccination could prevent another deadly COVID-19 flare-up. 

Presidential hopefuls are being asked whether the Build Build Build program is a success and if they will continue it.

• Ernesto Abella: Yes
• Leody De Guzman: "Sabit"
• Isko Moreno: Yes
• Norberto Gonzales: "Titignan natin"
• Panfilo Lacson: "Kayo na ang humusga" (citing only 12 out of 118 projects accomplished)
• Faisal Mangondato: *no clear answer
• Jose Montemayor Jr.: In a way, yes
• Manny Pacquiao: "Maganda po ang proyekto na 'yan"
• Leni Robredo says she will continue the program.

Presidential candidates answer the question: What sector will you prioritize to boost a post-pandemic economy?

• Former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella: Agriculture
• Labor leader Leody de Guzman: Agriculture
• Manila Mayor Isko Moreno: Agriculture
• Former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales: Creating jobs
• Sen. Panfilo Lacson: Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
• Faisal Mangondato: strengthening the economy
• Dr. Jose Montemayor: monetary and fiscal policy
• Sen. Manny Pacquiao: GDP
• Vice President Leni Robredo: MSMEs

Draw lots on who will answer the first question.

Former spokesperson of President Rodrigo Duterte, Ernesto Abella, goes first.

The first round of debates among presidential candidates organized by the Commission on Elections begins.

Veteran journalist Luchi Cruz Valdez introduces the 10 candidates, 9 of whom will square off tonight.

Presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao is now at Sofitel for the first Comelec-sponsored debates.

Vice President Leni Robredo arrives at Sofitel for Comelec's presidential debates. 

She went straight to the debate venue.

Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno arrives and is asked about disinformation networks linked to Mocha Uson, who endorsed him last night.

He brushes it off, says she can defend herself against cases filed. Says his campaign needs all the help it can get. — Franco Luna

Labor leader Ka Leody de Guzman arrives at Sofitel. Asked if a coalition with 1Sambayan is still possible, Ka Leody repeats key campaign theme that systemic change is needed rather than simply "replacing the face in Malacañang Palace. — Franco Luna

Lacson says going to debates is important, but gives a soft answer when asked about Marcos' absence. — Franco Luna

A thread on the 2022 Commission on Elections-backed presidential and vice-presidential debates. For live updates, check out our live blog: bit.ly/comelecdebate