An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) counseled candidates planning to skip the next episodes of the “PiliPinas Debates 2022” to reconsider.

In an interview after the first presidential debates last Saturday, Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said: ” As seen (Saturday night), those not here may get the attention of those present.”

“We can no longer control what they will be saying because it is part of their discretion in responding to questions,” said the official.

Present during the presidential debate are Ernesto Abella, Leody de Guzman, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Norberto Gonzales, Panfilo Lacson, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Faisal Mangondato, Jose Montemayor Jr., and Vice President Leni Robredo.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not show up but was interviewed hours before the debate. The taped interview was shown an hour before the presidental debate at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

On Sunday, the vice presidential debates are set to be held.

Overall, Garcia said they are more than satisfied with the turnout.

“It is not perfect, but highly successful. Let us focus on those who were present and the things that they said and will be doing for the country,” he said.

“We made the invitation and the Magnificent Nine arrived. How can we even ask for more?” added Garcia.

Another presidential debate is scheduled on April 3.

A presidential town hall debate (April 23), and one vice presidential town hall debate (April 24) will round off the series. DMS