LIVE UPDATES: Comelec's PiliPinas first presidential debates

In the last part of the debate, the candidates were asked to give their closing statements on why they deserve to win the presidency. 

Abella said that a president who understands the needs of the Filipino people is a must, adding that many suffer from poverty because of individuals who abuse their power and privilege. 

“Meron isang pabalik-balik na tanong. ‘Ano po ang pwede niyong gawin para sa’min?’ Ang kanilang kahirapan ay hindi lang dahil sa swerte, pero dahil sa mga polisiya na kung saan ang kahirapan ay ginawang profit ng ibang tao. Ang kailangan nila ay pinapakiggan ang mga tao at naisasali sila sa pamamahala,” Abella added. 

Meanwhile, De Guzman said working as a labor leader made him discover the need for change in the country’s political reforms to benefit those who are in need. 

“Kung galing na naman sa taas ang mailuluklok, walang magbabago. Hindi sapat na magpalit lang ng mukha ang isang pangulo. Kailangan baguhin ang sistema at patakaran na nagle-legalize sa kahirapan ng milyong-milyon ang nagpapayaman sa mga nasa taas ng lipunan,” De Guzman said.

Domagoso, on the other hand, said that a “crisis manager” is needed for the highest position in the land.

“Kailangan natin ng crisis manager at buong buhay ko, puro krisis ang hinarap ko. ‘Yan ang gagawin ko—life and livelihood. Kung ekonomiya naman ang pag-uusapan, ang mahalagang ekonomiya sa’kin ay ekonomiya sa loob ng tahanan  ng bawat pamilya,” Domagoso said.

Gonzales said the country’s next president is in the hands of Filipinos who will make the right decision.

“Tayo ay may panahon pa para mag-patuloy na mag-usap at sanayin ang ating mga puso para gumawa ng tamang desisyon,” Gonzales said.

Lacson said he’s ready to serve the country for the next six years, as he also took an apparent swipe at Marcos Jr.’s absence in the debate. 

“Sa lahat ng presidential candidates, nandito man o laging absent, walang sinoman kundi ako ang sadya at aktwal na nagsugal ng sariling buhay para mailigtas sa panganib ang sinoman,” he added.

The senator also stressed the need for a “competent” leader to fulfill its promises for the nation. He also made another jab at Marcos Jr., alongside Domagoso and Robredo. 

“It takes a leader who is competent, qualified, and experienced to turn promises of ‘unity,’ ‘Bilis Aksyon,’ and ‘Angat Buhay’ into reality,” Lacson added.

Mangondato, on the other hand, said he’s prepared to change the country’s system of governance should he win the presidency.

“Ang aming ino-offer sa mga Pilipino ay lisanin ang sistema na bulok na nagkakaroon ng sakit maski sinoman ang maupong pangulo ng bansa,” he said.

Montemayor Jr. said that he’s a leader who’s sincere and honest to his constituents.

“Ang ibibigay ko ay pamumuno na sinsero, tapat, at sinasabi ang ginagawa sa ating bansa,” Montemayor Jr. said.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, said that he’s not a “magnanakaw” and “sinungaling” because he experienced what it’s like to be poor.

“Hindi po ako magnanakaw. Kung pag-uusapan natin ang paghihirap, hindi ‘yan konsepto dahil ‘yun ang naranasan ko. Kaya gagawin ko ang lahat maibsan lamang ang paghihirap ng sambayanang Pilipino. Hindi po ako sinungaling, hayaan niyo kong dalhin ko kayo sa kampeonatong hangad ko,” Pacquiao added.

Lastly, Robredo said the country’s next president is someone who’s ready to sacrifice themselves for the welfare of others. She also cited her exemplary performance in the Office of the Vice President.

“Ang kailangang pangulo ay ‘yung nagmamadaling samahan ka kapag nahihirapan ka, handang magsakripisyo para tulungan ka, handang harapin kahit sino para ipaglaban ka. Ako po, kahit may eleksyon o wala, bagyo man o kahit anong sakkuna, pandemya o kahit anong problema, nandito ako,” she said.

Robredo also echoed her closing statement in the 2016 CNN vice presidential debates. 

“Kahit anong kwento ipakalat sa akin, kumpleto po ang aming resibo. Wag na po natin hanapin ang ayaw humarap sa atin. A true leader shows up and mans up. Sa darating na Mayo, the best man for the job is a woman,” Robredo said. 

In the final question of the debate, candidates were asked to share what they’ve picked up from their respective campaigns and how it can improve their plans and vision should they win the highest position in the land.

Moreno, who’s the incumbent mayor of Manila City, said that those who are living in Metro Manila are “spoiled” compared to those who live in the province. “Noong nakita ko sa aking pag-ikot sa mga barangay, masyadong spoiled ang Metro Manila kasi ang focus of development ang nandito.” 

Moreno also promised that he’ll dedicate his efforts in helping far-flung areas, adding that he’ll focus on boosting the country’s agriculture. 

“Nakakalugmok isipin ang nakikita ko sa probinsya. Sa bawat piso na ibibigay sa development ng Metro Manila, ilalaaan ko sa far-flung areas. Makakaasa kayo na ang bawat piso na ginamit sa Metro Manila will be diverted to far-flung areas to create more economic movement,” Moreno added.

Gonzales, meanwhile, claimed that Filipinos have been hungry for “political change,” adding that creating more “autonomous regions” are a must.

On the other hand, Lacson said his campaign focused more on dialogues with different communities rather than political rallies. 

“Sa halip ng mga campaign rallies, pinili namin ang dialogues. Nakita ko rito ang disconnect between economic resources, national budget, at saka ‘yung needs at priorities ng mga LGUs,” Lacson said.

Mangondato stressed that a “transition of platforms” is needed.

“Nakita namin ang kahirapan, maraming walang hanapbuhay, ‘yung kaban ng bayan ay nalulustay. Ang problema ng Pilipinas, pabalik-balik. Kaya transition of platforms ako nakatuon. Ang gusto namin magkaroon ng changes at isulong ang pederalismo sa gobyerno,” Mangondato said.

Montemayor Jr., on the other hand, said he saw “poor and sick” Filipinos after roaming around the country for “30 years” due to “corruption.”

“Bakit? May lack of funds tayo dahil sa corruption. Kailangan natin ayusin ang cause of poverty, unemployment at cause of misery,” he added.

Pacquiao claimed that his campaign sorties didn’t invite influential personalities and entertainers, since he focused on roaming around barangays instead.

“Tuwing nakikita ko ang mga mahihirap, parang dinudurog ang puso ko. Nakikita ko ang sarili ko noong araw,” he added.

The senator and boxing icon vowed that a Pacquiao presidency would see corrupt individuals behind bars.

Robredo said going around different communities during her campaign made her discover what different sectors go through. She also vowed that local government units will be given a bigger capacity if she wins the presidency.

“‘Yung mga barangay na nilapitan ng ating mga kababayan, sila ang may pakiramdam sa hinaing at kahirapan. Dapat bigyan sila ng mas malaking capacity at mas malaking pondo,” Robredo said.

Abella shared that he learned to listen during his campaign sorties, adding that Filipinos have been losing faith in the government. 

“Parang nawalan ng tiwala ang mga tao sa gobyerno, parang nawala ang pagmamahal sa bayan. We need to include our civil societies. Kailangan ng gobyerno na mararamdaman,” Abella said.

Lastly, De Guzman said the next president should put the needs of the Filipino people first.

“Politika ng masa at ekonomiya ng masa. Tao muna,” De Guzman stressed.

Valdes cited a December 2021 Social Weather Stations survey, saying 69% of adult Filipinos believe that the problem of fake news in the media is serious. Citing another SWS poll, she said a majority or 51% of Filipinos surveyed find it difficult to spot fake news on all platforms.

"Anong klaseng regulasyon ang inyong ipaiiral kung sakaling kayo'y maluklok para po makontrol ang fake news syndrome sa bansa kundi buong tulong na rin sa buong mundo?" she asked.

Pacquiao:

"Kailangan po talagang makontrol ng gobyerno ang social media. Marami pong impormasyon na naisasaksak natin sa kokote ng young people ngayon na pinapaniwalaan nila but hindi iyan totoo. Nakakasira po ng buhay iyan. Dapat maparusahan ang mga gumagawa ng fake news."

Mangondato:

"Madaling magsalita ng batas, pero sa ating lipunan, nakikita natin na iyong mga batas natin, mahinang-mahinang isulong. Dapat ay nabigyan ng katarungan ng lahat... silang patungan ng parusa dahil sa kanilang mga ginagawang mali."

Domagoso:

"Certainty of laws, there are already laws existing. It has to be applicable to everyone. And that includes the source of this application. Kailangan natin silang habulin at papanagutin (social media companies) bakit hinahayaan nilang magkaroon ng fake accounts sa kanilang application.

Siya nga pala, hindi po pala fake news iyong estate tax na P203 billion. Supreme Court ruling po iyon, with finality. Singilin na lang.”

Robredo:

“Agree ako kay Mayor Isko, kailangan hanapin natin ang source. Kasi, halimbawa ako, dalawang companies na ang naggawa ng study, sinasabing ako kasi ang number one na tinitira ng disinformation at number one na nakikinabang sa disinformation si Mr. Marcos.

Social media platforms should be made accountable dahil sila ang nagiging bahay ng mga disinformation na ito.”

The presidential candidates were also asked if they’re in favor of implementing the four-day work week.

While Lacson agrees with the proposal, he stresses the importance of adding additional work hours to compensate for the employees’ salary. 

“Sumusuporta ako [sa four-day work week]. Dagdagan natin ang oras ng trabaho pero instead of eight, gawin nating 10 para ang sweldo parehas lang din. Temporary lang,” he said.

Montemayor, meanwhile, said a four-day work week is feasible to “stimulate” spending, however, it could lead to “stagnation.” “Nasa pandemya pa rin tayo, kailangan ma-stimulate ang spending. Pero sayang ang three days, that could lead to “stagnation.”

De Guzman stressed that companies and private sectors should compensate their employees fairly should they work overtime. 

“Pabor ako sa four-day work week pero apat may additional 30% na overtime pay. Hindi pwedeng pang-1.5 days lang ‘yun,” he added.

On the other hand, Pacquiao said the four-day work week is not feasible for certain jobs. However, he didn’t expand on which type of jobs.

“Hindi lahat ng mga trabaho [ay para sa four-day work week]. May mga trabahong hindi pwede gawing 10 hours sa isang araw. May mga trabahong hindi madali na magbibilad ka sa oras nang 10 hours. Baka hindi na sila makakapagtrabaho, magkakasakit sila lalo,” the Pinoy boxing icon said.

Meanwhile, Robredo agrees with De Guzman and Pacquiao’s sentiments when it comes to paying employees fairly and deciding which sectors should implement a four-day work week. 

“Agree ako kay Ka Leody. Kailangang siguraduhin ang take-home change. Agree rin ako kay Senator Pacquiao, kailangan nating pakinggan ang sectors at alaming saang industry siya gagana,” she added. 

Presidential aspirants were asked, "Ano ang gagawin mo para matiyak na sapat ang trabaho, matatag ang kabuhayan, at dekalidad o up to standard ang kasanayan ng mga ga-graduate ngayon?"

Abella:
"I'd like to begin with the primary and secondary (education). Lalo na doon sa nakapag-miss na for about two years now, maraming silang learning gaps. Pero pwede pong mahabol iyon by mobilizing a national volunteer corps na kung saan pwede silang tumulong sa kabataan in gaining mastery sa three Rs: Reading, wRiting, aRithmetic. We will just have to continue to supplement iyong ating mga graduate, granting them possible scholarships and tutorial courses, lalo na sa mga courses na napagkulang nila."

De Guzman:
"Kailangan lang naman ay paramihin natin iyong mga opisina o TESDA center na di lang limitado sa ilang area. Magtayo tayo at palakasin natin sila.

Sa trabaho, may probationary period naman. Binibigyan sila ng six months...Pero dapat ma-regular natin ang manggagawa. Dahil walang kuwenta na magtuloy-tuloy ang trabaho nang di sila regular. Dapat wakasan na natin ang sistema ng kontraktuwalisasyon." 

Domagoso:
"Ang aking direksiyon ay una, I will invest on STEM. Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. But going around the country, nakita ko iyong hirap ng buhay ng magsasaka kaya ang gagawin ko STEAM, A for agriculture."

Gonzales:
"Iyong catch-up, hindi iyan immediate. We have to be prepared, na medyo magtatagal bago maging normal ang performance ng ating mga manggagawa lalo na iyong mga bagong graduate. Kaya ang tinitingnan ko diyan...iyong nangyayaring pagbabago sa workplace sa iba't ibang panig ng daigdig. Iyong self-generated jobs, baka doon muna natin i-emphasize ang pagpasok ng bagong mga manggagawa, mga self-employed."

Lacson:
:Madaliin po natin ang transition from the state of pandemic to endemic. Ako po'y sumusuporta sa posisyon ng NEDA na all over the Philippines, ibaba na sa Alert Level 1 nang sa ganoon ay makabalik na sa trabaho ang ating kababayan. Iyong hiling ng BPOs na palawigin ang kanilang work from home from April hanggang September, sinususugan ko po iyon dahil maraming nagsara na mga opisina nila.

Iyong medyo medium term, iyong skills matching kung saan madaling makakuha ng trabaho at magagawa lang natin ito pag nag-digitalize ang ating government processes."

Mangondato:
"Iyong problema sa forced labor para maka-catch up, dahil sa pagdaan sa atin ng pandemya, nawalan ng maraming trabaho ang ating manggagawa at naghahanap-buhay. Dapat iyong binibigay ng pamahalaan na subsidy ay di lang sa consumption kung di sa production...pati mga nakatambay sa bahay lang. Bigyan sila ng hayop, mga tupa, mga kambing."

Montemayor:
"Napakaganda ng tanong, quality of work, pero napakalungkot ng sitwasyon. Kahit na pagandahin natin ang sitwasyon, napakababa ng motivation ng ating workers. Alam niyo kung bakit? Vaccination card!

Bigyan natin sila ng incentives, tamang salaries, motivation at advancement. Unless gawin nating maayos ang pagtrato sa Filipino workers natin, vaccinated or unvaccinated, let us love them all para gaganda ang sitwasyon ng ating pagtatrabaho."

Pacquiao:
"Hindi naman siguro ipapasa iyan kung di nila kaya. Ang kakayahan ng Pilipino ay kakaiba. Ang question is may mahahanap ba silang trabaho, may trabaho ba silang mapapasukan? Paano natin ma-provide sa kanila, lalong-lalo sa farmers na matagal nang umiiyak at saklolo at napabayaan natin?

Bakit di natin palakasin ang TESDA at mag-training ng mga di nakapagtapos sa pag-aaral at gusto pang matuto?"

Robredo:
"Kailangan po natin, unang-una, ayusin ang kalidad ng edukasyon...Even during pre-pandemic, malaki na talaga problema natin. Pag sa mga international ranking, palagi tayong nasa bottom. Palagi ko pong sinasabi, kailangan mag-declare na tayo ng education crisis para matutukan natin ito. Itaas natin ang budget sa education."

In the segment which also allowed candidates to rebut others, they were asked, "Tagumpay ba ang 'Build, Build, Build' at kung kayo'y maluluklok, itutuloy niyo ba ito? Why or why not?"

Abella said the Duterte administration's flagship program was a "success."

"I will continue that and push it beyond building infrastructures," he said, adding that he'll also "build, build, build" the next generation via education with a focus on mathematics and sciences.

De Guzman said that "generally," the program was a failure, citing the country's record P11.92 trillion debt, even saying it could reach P13.4 trillion once Duterte's term ends.

"Naging problema rin dahil sa panahon ng pandemya, naging business as usual...at napabayaan ang paggastos sa COVID-19," he said.

Domagoso described Build, Build, Build as a success, it's just that COVID-19 got in the way.

He vowed to continue it and also reiterated his plans of upscaling his programs in bailiwick Manila City.

"We'll build more housing, better schools, more hospitals, more harvest facilities...and more sources of energy for stability," he said.

Gonzales, meanwhile, said he'll look into the direction and rationale behind the program first before picking up where it left off.

"Napakaimportante ang ugnayan ng bawat mamamayan sa lipunan. Titingnan ko po kung ang Build, Build, Build ay may pantay-pantay na pagtingin,” he said.

Lacson said that out of 118 projects, only 12 have been accomplished.

"Kayo na po ang humusga kung matagumpay ba," he said, though noting to make it "better and bolder."

He also reiterated his long-proposed private and public partnership to continue government infrastructure programs.

Mangondato said he'll continue the program, but rhetorically asked if it's for the benefit of the masses.

For Montemayor, "It's not a question kung itutuloy," saying that it should be done as there's no choice due to inviolability of contracts.

"Now, siguraduhin nating mabuti na napupunta sa tama iyan," he said, noting that while Build, Build, Build is such a good project, corruption may be part of the equation.

Pacquiao said it's "unfair" to call it unsuccessful, as it's part of the country's infrastructure development. He also vowed to continue the program while mentioning his housing project platform.

"Marami pa po talagang kailangan i-develop sa Mindanao area," he said.

Robredo said that in continuing Build, Build, Build, she will put emphasis on PPP instead of loans via the official development assistance or ODA.

She also wants to focus on four areas: rural development in infrastructure, transportation, water resource management, and climate resilient infrastructure.

During the round where candidates are allowed to ask others, Gonzales asked Lacson if PPP will incur more expenses. Lacson said it's considered a loan of sorts, with private entities transferring ownership of facilities to the government through Build-Operate-Transfer agreement.

Mangondato also asked Pacquiao where he got his money for his housing projects, to which the latter said is from his own pocket.

Presidential candidates were asked, "Ano ang isang sektor na dapat manguna upang mapabilis ang pag-ahon ng ekonomiya?"

Abella, De Guzman, and Domagoso said they'll focus on agriculture. 

"Pwede pong i-scale up at tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga tao," Abella said, adding that he'll turn the country into an "agricultural powerhouse."

De Guzman vowed to suspend or repeal the rice tarrification law and lessen importation. Health and education sectors, he said, will then follow suit.

"Iyong sektor ng serbisyo, tubig, koryente, ospital, eskuwelahan, transportasyon, dapat akuin ng gobyerno iyan, hindi negosyo ng malalaking kapitalista," he added.

"Sa pag-ikot-ikot ko sa buong Pilipinas, nakikita ko na medyo napapabayaan natin ang mga magsasaka," Domagoso said. "Ang pinakaimportanteng ekonomiya ay ekonomiya ng sikmura."

Gonzales, Lacson, Mangondato, Pacquiao, and Robredo will focus on other livelihood opportunities.

"Ito ay dapat nating tutukan mabuti. Kaya bubuksan ng pamahalaan ang sources of capital," Gonzales said.

Lacson said micro, small, and medium enterprises will be his priority, noting that 400,000 MSMEs have lost their jobs to the pandemic.

"Tulungan natin sila ibangon dahil napakalaki ng tama sa sektor," Lacson said.

"Nahinto ang galaw, pati sa gobyerno," Mangondato said. "Pag malakas ang ekonomiya ng ating bansa, lahat ang programa ng ating pamahalaan ay...magagawa."

Pacquiao said the country must also do away with importing.

"Bigyan talaga ang milyong-milyong Pilipino ng trabaho, palakasin talaga ang MSMEs, pautangin ang maliliit na negosyante ng zero interest," he said.

Robredo also proposed a P100 billion stimulus fund with conditional cash grants and low interest loans for MSMEs.

Valdes also reiterated Marcos Jr.'s absence when it was supposedly his turn to answer.

Montemayor, meanwhile, said that by implementing a so-called monetary and fiscal policy, the economy should be "stimulated" and in turn, all sectors will be affected.

Presidential candidates have been briefed minutes before the PiliPinas debates.

Comelec earlier said it prepared 20 questions for the candidates, though not everything is expected to be asked in the two hour and 30 minutes estimated for the program.

The poll body said the candidates will be given 90 seconds to answer a question, 30 seconds for a rebuttal, and another 30 seconds for a rejoinder.

There will be draw lots, according to Comelec, to determine who'll answer the first question. Succeeding questions, however, will be answered by the candidates in alphabetical order.

Candidates are being briefed ahead of the drawing of lots for the #PilipinasDebates2022 pic.twitter.com/tIdph276Uz

— COMELEC (@COMELEC) March 19, 2022

Comelec also released a ceremonial photo opportunity of the nine candidates at the PiliPinas Debates photowall.

Ceremonial photo ops at the #PiliPinasDebates2022 photowall pic.twitter.com/f9whVXuT3F

— COMELEC (@COMELEC) March 19, 2022

Candidates begin the drawing of lots to determine their number in answering questions for the #PilipinasDebates2022 pic.twitter.com/obCJZ4qL9r

— COMELEC (@COMELEC) March 19, 2022

Presidential candidates have started to arrive at Sofitel before the 7:00pm debate.

Comelec tweeted photos of Lacson, De Guzman, and Gonzales speaking with members of the press.

Presidential candidate Panfilo “Ping” Lacson arrives for the #PiliPinasDebates2022 pic.twitter.com/jjqROz0RKN

— COMELEC (@COMELEC) March 19, 2022

Presidential candidate Leody de Guzman is here for the #PiliPinasDebates2022 pic.twitter.com/O637177bIV

— COMELEC (@COMELEC) March 19, 2022

Presidential candidate Norberto Gonzales is present for the #PiliPinasDebates2022 pic.twitter.com/xy2oGxwvvS

— COMELEC (@COMELEC) March 19, 2022

Montemayor Jr. and Mangondato are also in the venue already, according to Greg Gregorio of News5.

The Southern Police District has also deployed a K-9 unit to inspect the area.

WATCH | A K-9 unit from the Southern Police District is now doing security inspection in the vicinity of today’s #PiliPinasDebates2022 . @News5PH @onenewsph pic.twitter.com/1afeT6JaRA

— Greg Gregorio (@GVGregorio_TV5) March 19, 2022

Domagoso, Robredo, and Abella are also present already. As of 5:45pm, eight out of nine presidential candidates are present.

Presidential candidate Isko Moreno Domagoso has also arrived for the #PiliPinasDebates2022 pic.twitter.com/S9QehBivrH

— COMELEC (@COMELEC) March 19, 2022

Also just arrived is Presidential candidate Leni Robredo for the #PiliPinasDebates2022 pic.twitter.com/UiixTKfd15

— COMELEC (@COMELEC) March 19, 2022

Pacquiao was the last to arrive in the venue. He also commented on Marcos Jr. being a no-show in the event.

WATCH: Sen Manny Pacquiao's comment on the absence of Bongbong Marcos in today's #PilipinasDebates2022 @News5PH @onenewsph pic.twitter.com/iPW5RaKfuZ

— marie ann los banos (@maeannelosbanos) March 19, 2022

As of 6:11pm, which is less than an hour before the much-anticipated debates begin, all of the presidential candidates are already present.