Citing the importance of face-to-face debates, presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao yesterday urged the Commission on Elections and the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) to organize these.
He said this would not only provide them the opportunity to properly explain their platform of government and policy positions but also demonstrate their competence and sincerity in their pursuit to serve the people.
He said face-to-face presidential debates initiated by neutral and non-partisan groups would dispel any claim of bias for or against a candidate.
While he is happy to share his visions and aspirations for the country in various media fora, talk shows, and interviews, Pacquiao said these are not enough to give the electorate a full and unadulterated preview of the true character and the qualities of the presidential aspirants.
“I’m challenging my fellow presidential candidates – let us have a face-to-face debate,” he said.
“Actual and face-face discussions are much better since they can see who among us are sincere leaders and capable of giving genuine reforms to improve the lives of Filipinos,” added the standard bearer of Promdi.
Pacquiao said the electorate should be wary of candidates who refuse to face their rivals and avoid public scrutiny as this is a foreboding sign that they are either incompetent or have too many skeletons in the closet which they do not want to be exposed in a no-holds-barred debate.
While debates are not required by law, attending these face-to-face debates is a very important responsibility for anyone seeking the highest and most powerful position in the country, he said.
Pacquiao also dismissed claims that the debates are just divisive because, on the contrary, these can help unify the people for them to make the right choice.
“You cannot promise to unite the nation if you cannot even have the guts to face your foes like a man,” Pacquiao said.