Marcos camp: Bongbong not yet confirming attendance to Comelec presidential debate

The camp of presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the former senator has not yet confirmed that he will attend the debate sponsored by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

"Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. has not yet confirmed his participation in the Comelec-sponsored debate which was scheduled from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 19, 2022," Marcos' spokesman Vic Rodriguez said in a statement.

Rodriguez clarified that Marcos' attendance in the debate would only be confirmed "if his hectic campaign schedules permit.”

After Rodriguez issued the statement, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said on Twitter that the "Comelec has been advised of presidential candidate Marcos’ 'readiness to participate' in the #PiliPinasDebates2022."

"If more confirmation is needed, the Comelec awaits the same with bated breath. Nevertheless, preparations for the #PiliPinasDebates2022 push thru," Jimenez said.

The COMELEC has been advised of presidential candidate Marcos’ “readiness to participate” in the #PiliPinasDebates2022. If more confirmation is needed, the COMELEC awaits the same with bated breath. Nevertheless, preparations for the #PiliPinasDebates2022 push thru. pic.twitter.com/YDHPI4gqay

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) February 24, 2022

He posted a letter from Marcos' camp dated February 11 stating that the former senator was ready to participate in the presidential debate.

It was, however, stated in the letter that it would be more proper and prudent if all presidential candidates will be given an opportunity to discuss before the poll body the format of the event and the issues to be tackled.

The Marcos camp has already requested a meeting with other presidential candidates as well as the Comelec to discuss the debate's format.

Earlier in the day, Jimenez said that all 10 candidates had confirmed their participation in the debate.

Marcos had skipped the presidential interview with GMA Network's veteran journalist Jessica Soho and the forum organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.

The former lawmaker will also not join the presidential debate this weekend organized by CNN Philippines.

Marcos, meanwhile, took part in the presidential debate hosted by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) on February 15. — VBL, GMA News