Senator and presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao has called out the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to give all candidates more time to express their platforms in the concluding event of its PiliPinas Debates.

The boxer-turned-politician made the statement after the Comelec announced that the presidential and vice presidential debates will no longer be town hall debates. It will be changed to an interview led by a panel.

“Umaapela ako sa Comelec na sa huling pagkakataon ay mabigyan naman ang mga kandidato ng sapat na oras para mailahad namin ang aming mga  plataporma upang marinig ng publiko,” he said.

“Sa pamamagitan nito ay mas mabibigyan ng kaalaman ang mga botante para makapagpasya ng tama sa araw ng halalan,” he added.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said on Monday that they decided to make the adjustment due to “inevitable scheduling conflicts.”

The interviews are set to air from May 2 to 6. — Ronald Espartinez