The COMELEC clarified on Monday that national and local candidates are not required to participate in election debates.

“Requiring candidates to attend debates is not yet provided in the guidelines as we are still studying its constitutionality,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an interview.

Garcia also confirmed that Comelec will not be organizing debates for the May 12 mid-term elections, leaving it to other groups and organizations.

“The Comelec is not conducting these debates, but other groups and organizations. That is really up to them,” he said.

However, the poll body emphasized that all candidates must be invited to ensure fairness in election debates.

“Not even one candidate should be excluded. Everyone must be invited,” Garcia added.

On Sunday, the Comelec released guidelines for the conduct of televised and radio-broadcasted debates to uphold fairness and neutrality. The commission stressed that political debates play a crucial role in ensuring an informed electorate.