The Commission on Elections said Sunday there would be a 2022 edition of the PiliPinas Debates, where candidates for national posts are expected to face off on issues.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said during a virtual forum that the PiliPinas Debates 2022 would push through. He did not give further details.
"Are we going to have PiliPinas Debates? Hell yes, we will. How are we gonna do it? We're working on organizing it now," he said.
Organized by the Comelec and Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, the PiliPinas Debates were first held in 2016. The debate series was broadcast by the four major networks in the country --- GMA Network, TV5, ABS-CBN, and CNN Philippines --- and were staged in Cagayan De Oro City, Cebu City, Dagupan, and Manila before a live audience.
Jimenez said there would changes in how the debates will be held considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"Obviously it will look different from the way it used to before. But we are working round the clock to design the new PiliPinas Debates, and it will happen," he added.
The filing of the certificates of candidacy for the 2022 elections is scheduled from Oct. 1-8, 2021.