Presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. will not be joining the debate organized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on Saturday, according to his spokesperson.
"I confirm our non-participation in the COMELEC-sanctioned debate this coming Saturday, March 19, 2022," said Atty. Vic Rodriguez in a statement.
The spokesperson previously said that Marcos has a "full schedule" on the day of the debate that has been in place for over two months.
According to Rodriguez, Marcos wants to honor his commitment to his supporters by being with them on the field on the day of the COMELEC debate.
The spokesperson added that their camp will continue directly communicating with the people, a method he said is their "preferred mode" of communication.
"We shall continue with our preferred mode of direct communication with the people and engage them in a more personal face-to-face interaction that discuses real issues that affect them today, tomorrow, and in the days to come as this election is all about our collective future," Rodriguez said.
Following the announcement, Marcos will be the sole presidential candidate not participating in the COMELEC-led debate this Saturday.
His running-mate, Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, also said that she will not be joining her rivals in the vice presidential debate, which is scheduled on Sunday.
