FORMER senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will not be able to attend a forum for presidential aspirants scheduled today and organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.
Attending are Vice President Leni Robredo, Senators Panfilo Lacson and Emmanuel Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, and labor leader Leody de Guzman.
KBP president Herman Basbano said Marcos, in a letter, declined the KBP’s invitation to the “Panata sa Bayan: The Presidential Candidates Forum,” because of “conflict in schedule.”
Marcos’ chief of staff and spokesman Vic Rodriguez said in a statement that while they have been looking forward to Marcos’ participation in the KBP event, “his current schedules prevent us from accommodating your request.”
“We look forward to engaging with similar KBP initiatives in the future,” Rodriguez added as he expressed gratitude to the KBP for the invitation.
The son and namesake of the former dictator earlier drew flak after he refused to join an interview of presidential candidates by GMA Network’s journalist Jessica Sojo whom he accused of being “biased,” a claim denied by the network. The hashtag #MarcosDuwag even trended after his refusal to join the interview.
Marcos also failed to attend another forum organized by radio station DZBB, citing as reason “signal difficulties.” But he participated in a pre-recorded one-on-one with TV personality Boy Abunda and live interviews with One PH, with a panel from radio station DZRH. He also took part in a recorded interview with former Malacañang social media consultant Trixie Cruz-Angeles and the ALC media group.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said non-attendance of candidates in public forums such as debates should be considered as a “red flag” by voters.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body is not concerned if candidates but it is important for all registered voters to get to know their candidates better.
“It is not a red flag for the Comelec, but a red flag for the voters, absolutely,” said Jimenez.
“Ultimately, what the Comelec cares about is whether or not the public will get the opportunity to interrogate the candidates, their positions, their beliefs, and so on,” he also said.
He said it is the reason the Comelec earlier decided to leave a vacant podium for absent candidates when it holds its debate series in the coming weeks.
“It is not to be glossed over, not to be ignored. We are going to have a podium right there with their name on it and no face above it,” said Jimenez. — With Gerard Naval
