Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday confirmed that he will not join the debate organized by the Commission on Elections on March 19.
Lawyer Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ chief of staff and spokesman, stressed that Marcos cannot renege on his commitment to be with his supporters on the day that coincided with the holding of the Comelec debate.
“I confirm our non-participation in the Comelec sanctioned debate this coming Saturday, March 19, 2022,” Rodriguez said in a Facebook post.
“Presidential frontrunner Bongbong Marcos’ words are his bond; thus we shall honor our commitment to our supporters to be with them on the field on this day,” he added.
According to Rodriguez, the Marcos’ camp would continue with its “preferred mode of direct communication with the people and engage them in a more personal face to face interaction that discusses real issues that affect them today, tomorrow and in the days to come as this election is all about our collective future.”
Marcos’ running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, earlier said she would also campaign without joining debates.
Marcos skipped the presidential interview with GMA Network’s Jessica Soho and the forum organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.
He also declined to join the presidential debate organized by CNN Philippines.
But Marcos joined the debate organized by Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI), owned by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.