TV5 apologizes for delayed start of 2nd PiliPinas Debates 2016

The network host has apologized for the delayed start of the second leg of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) presidential debates in Cebu City on Sunday afternoon.

"On behalf of the management of TV5, the President, Mr. Noel Lorenzana and the head of News, Ms. Luchi Cruz-Valdes, would like to apologize for the inordinate delay in the 2nd Presidential debate that was brought about solely by the confusion on the rules implemented by the COMELEC on the Debate," TV5 said.

The debate was supposed to start at 5 p.m., but due to the confusion over the rules it started at around 6:30 p.m.

TV5 added: "In the end, the Management of TV5, the COMELEC and the presidential candidates, have agreed that despite the technical and procedural issues, it is more important to allow the debate to proceed and not deprive the public of their right to witness this historical, exciting and Aksyon-filled event."

Before the debate started, Cruz-Valdes admitted she allowed Vice President Jejomar Binay to bring notes five days prior to the debate.

"It was a standing rule that was not communicated to me. About four or five days before this debate today, Congressman Toby [Tiangco, president of the United Nationalist Alliance] asked if the VP could bring notes. In my earnest desire for all candidates to be present, and not thinking that there was such rule, I said, 'I think so. Of course,'" Valdes said.

She added: "because of this, all the other candidates, especially (former Interior) Secretary Mar (Roxas) expressed their strong protest against the violation of that rule." —ALG, GMA News