Philippines

Presidential and vice presidential debates are necessary to give voters an idea of whom they are voting for and the platforms and programs they espouse. More important, voters want answers to issues and to criticisms of the candidates.

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago expressed her support for the plan of the Comission on Elections (Comelec) to organize debates among those joining the presidential race.

I am all for holding presidential and vice-presidential debates prior to the May 2016 national election. In fact, it may do the public well if senatorial and congressional aspirants -- or even those seeking local posts -- get the opportunity to debate as well. All with the aim, of course, of helping

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to hold presidential debates to give voters an opportunity to know and gauge the aspirants

A lawmaker proposed to create a Presidential Debate Commission for the coming election.

A neophite lawmaker has filed a bill that seeks to provide the public with the proper venues and opportunities to be informed about the qualifications and advocacies of the candidates for President and vice president.

With a little over a year before the 2016 presidential elections, a lawmaker is pushing for the creation of a debate commission that would require candidates to face off and discuss their platforms.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is urging legislators to consider passing this early a bill creating a Presidential Debate Commission in time for the May 2016 polls.