The Commission on Elections has postponed its scheduled presidential and vice presidential debates originally slated this weekend (April 23 and April 25) at Sofitel Plaza Manila.
Commissioner George Garcia said the debates have been rescheduled due to some “circumstances.”
“We will not be able to proceed with the debate for tomorrow and Sunday. Hindi po natin ito matutuloy but they are not cancelled. Reset lang po by next week, by April 30 and May 1,” he said.
Garcia said that they will now be partnering with the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) to hold the town hall debates for free.
RELATED STORY: COMELEC: Wearing clothes with candidate’s name, photo on election day is illegal
In a document obtained by reporters on Thursday, Comelec’s contractor, Impact Hub Manila, has yet to fully pay Sofitel Garden Plaza, the event’s official venue, prompting Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. (PPHI), Sofitel’s owner, to threaten to pull out of their agreement.
Sofitel reportedly demanded payment after some of the checks issued by Impact Hub bounced.
Commissioner Aimee Ferolino said the poll body is not party to the contract but the agreement is between Impact Hub and Sofitel. Ferolino adds the venue for the debate will also be changed.
Commissioner Rey Dulay meantime has apologized to the candidates for the postponement of the town hall debates.
READ ON: COMELEC division junks final disqualification case vs. Bongbong Marcos
“Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa mga kandidato. Sa maikli na ngang panahon na allowed mangampanya, hindi pa namin nasabi kaagad na hindi matutuloy ang yung debates tomorrow and Sunday,” Dulay said.
“Naintindihan namin na na-set niyo na yan sa inyong kalendaryo sa pangangampanya at humihingi po kami ng paumanhin,” he added.
The poll body is now coordinating with the KBP to get in touch with the candidates.
“Sa kasalukuyan ongoing ang aming pakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga kandidato sa pamamagitan ng kanilang representante,” Garcia said
