Comelec: 6 presidential candidates, 4 VP bets confirm participation in panel interviews

Six presidential candidates and four vice presidential candidates have agreed to join in the panel interviews conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), according to Commissioner George Garcia.

In a tweet by GMA News’ Tina Panganiban Perez, Garcia bared the names of the following candidates who have confirmed their participation in the presidential and vice presidential panel interviews as a substitute for the scrapped town hall debates.

Among the presidential bets who will join the interviews are former Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, labor leader Leody De Guzman, Former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, businessman Faisal Mangondato, cardiologist Dr. Jose Montemayor Jr., and Senator Manny Pacquiao.

For vice presidential interviews, among those who will participate are Pro-Life Philippines Foundation executive director Rizalito David, Manny Lopez, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and Serapio Carlos.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo announced that she could not attend the presidential panel interview.

She, however, challenged former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., one of her rivals in the May 9 presidential race, to a debate.

In response, Marcos' spokesperson Vic Rodriguez on Friday said the debate between Robredo and Marcos would never happen, noting that there are several reasons why such a debate would never push through.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, on the other hand, said he has yet to find a schedule for the presidential interview organized by the poll body.

The Comelec said it has extended the deadline up to lunch time on Friday.

Garcia said the panel interview will push through even if only a few of the candidates will participate.

After the deadline, the Comelec will hold a raffle to determine the order of the participating candidates, Garcia said.

He added that the interview would be "taped as live" and would have "no editing."

The Comelec scrapped its town hall debates after its private partner, Impact Hub Manila, allegedly failed to settle its dues with Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the venue for the previous debates. —NB, GMA News