Palace warm to suggestion for mandatory presidential debates

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is warm to a reported proposal by a poll official to have mandatory debates among presidential candidates for the 2010 elections.

Deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez Jr. said it is a good idea to have such debates to educate voters in time for the next presidential election.

"Pinauubaya natin yan sa Comelec. Kung ‘yan ang pananaw nila sila ang expert diyan (We leave that to the Commission on Elections. If that is its opinion, they are the experts there)," he said on government-run dzRB radio.

The proposal came from Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, who said such debates may be a good way to help voters decide the best candidate.

Golez said the present government will support whatever initiative is proposed to bolster the country's democratic processes.

"Ang pamahalaan naman natin, ang administrasyon ng Pangulong Arroyo, sinusuportahan anumang panukala na makakatulong sa pag-aayos ng ating democratic process (This administration supports any suggestion that can bolster our democratic processes)," he said.

"Anything that would make us understand if we can understand the capabilities who is going to run for office, napakaimportante sa mamamayan ang malaman ang kakayahan ng individual (it is important that our people know the capabilities of each candidate)," he added. gmanews.tv