‘Otso Diretso’ senatorial candidates Alejano, Gutoc, Hilbay, & Macalintal filed a letter of request at the Comelec to ask the poll body to facilitate a public debate among senatorial candidates, set the rules, and assist media in covering the event. #Halalan2019 | via @rongagalac pic.twitter.com/Mxi9SBuIky

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) February 28, 2019

Otso Diretso senatorial candidates Gary Alejano, Samira Gutoc, Florin Hilbay, and Romulo Macalintal filed Thursday a letter of request at the Commission on Elections to ask the poll body to facilitate a public debate among senatorial candidates.

The letter, signed by the four above-mentioned candidates and candidate Chel Diokno, also urged Comelec to set the rules for the said debate and assist the media in covering the event.

Opposition senatorial candidates earlier accepted the challenge of Hugpong ng Pagbabago chairperson Sara Duterte-Carpio for a rules-based debate. Some candidates, however, remain cool to the idea.

• Opposition bets accept Sara Duterte's challenge for rules-based debate

"May we request Ms. Sara to lay down the rules. They can pick the time, place, and candidates," Macalintal said.

Duterte has said there should be a 3rd party that will organize the debate. She added that it is up to the candidates if they want to join the debate.

• Sara Duterte on debate challenge to Hugpong bets: It's a 'personal' choice