Responding To Netizen's Comment

I was urging all ten presidential candidates to be present in all debates. and one reader reacted and said: Hello Sir, tell us of a law that compels you in doing what you don't want to do? If such law exists and I was wrong, please inform the specific provision, i.e article or paragraph number. If no such law exists, palagay ko me tablahan.  

In the recent SMNI presidential debate which was hailed by pundits on top of the heap, wala si Ka Isko, Si Aleng Leni, si Ping Lacson, si N Gonzales, si Montemayor at si Mangondadato. Of the 6, di rin cla naimbitahan ni Korinna, sa DZRH TV, ni Toni Gonzaga, sa Net25 ASPN.  But it does lookl like you didn't raise a howl but ignored their non appearance/disengagement in such event.  According to Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Team Unity spokesperson, the Comelec debate format wasn't to BBM's preference.  Ayun, nag decline in order to meet his prior commitment in Marikina.

If you have the time, or you may watch later in YT the forthcoming SMNI 2nd presidential debate which will stage in Okada Manila before the end of this month.  The recent staging in Okada was hailed by watchers particularly various big names in the industry a world class act in itself. The panelists were noted personalities, the venue classy and the moderator was praised for her effective handling of the proceeding as it unfolded.  The 2nd presidential debate promises even to be better. 

You will note, I have a strong preference for SMN for their straight news and current affairs reporting.  A also tune in to NET 25 and UNTV, the other national networks I patronize frequently in YT.  I've stopped watching GMA, CNN, Rappler and ABS-CBN (before its franchise got cancelled) for their unbridled political bias and more often bad programming.

Response:

Nobody said that there is a law that compels you in doing what you don't want to do. And I don't need to recite any provision or articles or paragraph numbers, because even if I am not a lawyer, I have the feeling there is no such thing.

If you are saying this because I am urging everybody including BBM to attend the debates, it doesn't mean I am forcing him even though he doesn't feel like going.  What I was trying to point out, is that presidential debates are already a tradition.  It is not constitutionally mandated, but it is an intrinsic part of the election process. If BBM doesn't want to go, his choice ... but his actions is a great disservice to Filipino voters because they want to know more about him. He wants the highest position in the land, then he has to lay all his cards on the table, not hiding from the veil of anonymity. 

Besides what is there to fear about.  Whatever Marcos Sr. did was totally his. If these can of worms are his Achilles heel, wait till he hears some of the candidates don't have a pristine past as well as they were also involved in some scandals before. So they are on the same playing field.

And as I told you in my opener, the Comelec sponsored debate didn't even bring up any salacious scandals if that is what he is evading. The debate segued to the most important issues of the day, and how I wish BBM was there so I can hear his POVs.

If I am urging everybody to attend, it is all for voter's education. Nothing more ... nothing less