Ople calls for fourth presidential debate for OFWs abroad

Senatorial candidate Susan Ople. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

BAGUIO CITY — Senatorial bet Susan “Toots” Ople called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday to consider holding a fourth presidential debate to be held either in Hong Kong or Saudi Arabia.

The first presidential debate was held in Cagayan de Oro last Sunday, which was attended by five candidates — Senators Grace Poe and Miriam Defensor-Santiago, former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Davao City Mayor Rodirgo Duterte.

The second and third presidential debates are slated on March 20, 2016 in Cebu and in Central or Southern Luzon on April 24,2016.

“I propose that Comelec considers a fourth debate to be held either in Hong Kong or Saudi Arabia before OFW (overseas Filipino worker) communities to make this campaign even more exciting and relevant to our modern-day heroes,” Ople said in a statement distributed to reporters here.

“Aside from comprising over a million absentee votes, they also wield a great deal of influence among family members, and the next administration would be coming in during a period of extreme difficulties for our OFWs especially in the Middle East.”

“Judging from the first presidential debate, OFW engagement for the 2016 polls is quite high given their strong presence in social media,” she added.

The senatorial bet of Partido Galing at Puso reiterated this call in a press conference held here with other fellow candidates.

While commending the first presidential debate as a “very good” and “thoughtful initiative” of the Comelec, Ople expressed hope that the candidates would be given ample opportunity to present their platforms for workers, including millions of OFWs, in the next two scheduled debates. CDG

READ: Drilon urges Comelec to allow OFWs to register, vote online