MANILA (UPDATE) — Former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., as of Sunday evening, is the lone presidential candidate in this year's elections who has yet to confirm participation in the debates organized by the Commission on Elections, the poll body's spokesman said.

In an update on his Twitter account, James Jimenez said that as of 6 p.m. Sunday, the nine other aspirants have "confirmed" their attendance in the "PiliPinas Debates 2022: The Turning Point", which will kick off on March 19.

They are:

1. Ernesto Abella
2. Leody De Guzman
3. Isko Moreno Domagoso
4. Norberto Gonzales
5. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson
6. Faisal Mangondato
7. Jose Montemayor Jr.
8. Manny Pacquiao
9. Leni Robredo

As of March 13, 6:00PM, 9 out of 10 Presidential candidates have confirmed participation in the #PiliPinasDebates2022. Catch the debates live online, on TV, & radio.”

Mar. 19 / 20 - 1st Pres./VP Debate
Mar. 20 - VP Debate
Apr. 3 - 2nd Pres. Debate
Apr. 23/ 24 - VP/Pres. TownHall pic.twitter.com/rL66atuEu5

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) March 13, 2022

Earlier in the day, Jimenez said Abella, De Guzman, Domagoso, Gonzales, Lacson and Pacquiao have already given their "written commitment" to participate in the debates.

Mangondato, Montemayor and Robredo, meanwhile, have yet to provide a written commitment as of 1:25 p.m., although they have verbally pledged to attend the events, said Jimenez.

#PiliPinasDebates2022 update #votesafepilipinas pic.twitter.com/E7D2tuUaYf

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) March 13, 2022

Robredo's spokesman, Barry Gutierrez, promptly responded that she "will be there for the Comelec debates" and that the written commitment "will be submitted shortly" to the poll body.

Last March 1, Marcos, who is leading in pre-election surveys, said he still doesn't know if he will join the debates as he was still looking at the format.

His spokesman, Vic Rodriguez, previously said the former senator will not participate in debates that only intend to pit candidates against each other, claiming that the public is tired of "political mudslinging."

• Marcos Jr., Sara Duterte undecided on Comelec debates

Then acting Comelec chairman Socorro Inting said on March 7 that the debates being planned by the poll body aim to help the voters become aware of the candidates' stand on various issues, as well as their plans and programs.

• Comelec to stage 3 presidential, 2 VP debates for Halalan 2022

Marcos has been criticized for skipping some forums organized for candidates since the official campaign period opened last Feb. 8. He showed up though in select interviews and in at least one debate.

The first Comelec presidential debate on March 19 will be followed by another one on April 3, and then a town hall setup on April 24.

As for the vice presidential candidates, the Comelec has set the following debate schedules: March 20 and April 23 (town hall).

Jimenez said Lito Atienza, the running mate of Pacquiao, has formally declined due to medical reasons, while Sara Duterte-Carpio, the running mate of Marcos, has not given any confirmation. The latter said Saturday she has already decided not to participate in debates.

• No more debates for Sara Duterte; Marcos Jr. still mum

The participation of the following aspirants for the country's second highest post, meanwhile, are confirmed:

1. Bello, Walden
2. David, Rizalito
3. Lopez, Manny
4. Ong, Doc Willie
5. Pangilinan, Francis "Kiko"
6. Serapio, Carlos
7. Sotto, Vicente "Tito"

As of March 13, 6:00PM, 7 out of 9 Vice-Presidential candidates are confirmed to join the #PiliPinasDebates2022. Catch the debates live online, on TV, & radio.”

Mar. 19 / 20 - 1st Pres./VP Debate
Mar. 20 - VP Debate
Apr. 3 - 2nd Pres. Debate
Apr. 23/ 24 - VP/Pres. TownHall pic.twitter.com/64ndUUnE7r

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) March 13, 2022

Comelec officials earlier said candidates of the May 9 elections who skip their presidential and vice presidential debates will be disallowed from using the poll body's official e-rally channels for the rest of the campaign period.

• Comelec to sanction debate skippers, assures confidentiality of debate questions

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