THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued the guidelines for the conduct of political debates by television and radio networks for national candidates running in the May 12 elections.
In issuing Resolution No. 11115, the poll body said it is important to set guidelines for the conduct of election debates to ensure that they are fair and impartial.
“It is desirable for Comelec to ensure that these debates shall be conducted by these entities with the same standards of fairness, neutrality, and impartiality,” it said.
It underscored that “organized political debates are necessary tools in fostering the emergence of a fully-informed electorate in which the public interest is served whenever political debates are effectuated.”
The Comelec said debate organizers must ensure that all candidates are invited, accommodated, well-represented, treated equally, fairly, and impartially.
It said they must also ensure that the number of family members and supporters brought by each candidate are equal.
It added that organizers should ensure that the setting of the venue and attire of moderators or hosts are neutral to eliminate impressions of bias, favoritism, or suggest any political affiliation.
The debate, forum, or interview series, the Comelec said, must also be conducted or filmed in a safe and controlled environment to show a sense of professionalism.
It stressed that participant-candidates and the audience must duly observe proper decorum during the debate.
The Comelec also told organizers that all questions and topics to be tackled in the debate should not be trivial.
If applicable, the poll body said organizers must ensure the acquisition of the necessary permits, clearances, and venue, in coordination with local government units, and election officers.
Organizers are also required to inform, in writing, the concerned Comelec office of the conduct of said debate, forum, or interview series at least one week prior to the conduct of said activity.
The Commission said its participation, if invited, will be limited as observer or guest only, which means it shall not be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that may occur during the event.
Lastly, the Comelec said the conduct of the debate, forum, or interview series should be at no cost to the poll body.
Under the Fair Election Act, the Comelec has the authority to promulgate rules and regulations for holding debates by issuing general guidelines for its conduct.
The poll body said the appearance of a candidate in the debates, forums, or interview series will not be computed against their allowable airtime.
The campaign period for the senatorial bets and party-list groups began last February 11.
On the other hand, March 28 will be start of the campaign period for local candidates.
The campaign period for the May 2025 polls will end on May 10.
‘WALK FOR LIFE’
Over 3,000 individuals joined the annual “Walk for Life” activity of the Catholic Church yesterday in the city of Manila.
Heeding the call of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (LAIKO), people from all walks of life joined the 2025 edition of the activity, which was first done in 2017, held at dawn on Sunday.
Armed with banners and candles, the participants gathered at the Flower Clock Area of Rizal Park then walked through the two-kilometer route until they reached the Manila Cathedral.
In his message at the Manila Cathedral, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) – Episcopal Commission on the Laity (ECL) chairman Bishop Severo Caermare urged the participants to serve as “beacons of hope”.
“In a society where the value of life is trivialized and utterance of ‘killing’ is simply a joke, not a threat, let us be visible signs of hope,” said Caermare.
“As we face challenges in our nation’s leadership, where transparency and accountability may waver and the life of the nation is at stake, let us be beacons of hope,” he added.
In particular, the prelate said one can serve as a sign of hope by making informed choices in the leaders they will support, especially in the forthcoming May 2025 polls.
“Our collective efforts can shape a future that values life — life in the family and life of our beloved country,” said Caermare.
The Walk for Life is an annual event sponsored by the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas to reaffirm the faithful’s commitment to uphold, promote, and defend the sacredness of life and the dignity of every person.
Last year, the Walk for Life was held from the Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City to the University of Santo Tomas grandstand in Manila.
