Thread by @rapplerdotcom

LIVE: Rappler's @jnery_newsstand & @newsdwight give us a rundown on the highlights of the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) first vice presidential debate for 2022 held Sunday, March 20. #RapplerRecap

@jnery_newsstand @newsdwight How did the absence of frontrunner Sara Duterte impact tonight's debate?

@jnery_newsstand: The absence of the frontrunner had real impact in the debate. Duterte is starting to feel the consequences of not showing up. Her rivals really attacked her.

#RapplerRecap

.@jnery_newsstand: The most consistent critique was Walden Bello.

Bello earlier addressed the Comelec questioning the 'lame' punishment by the body for candidates who are absent without justifiable reason.

#RapplerRecap

Who did not win tonight

.@jnery_newsstand: I was expecting SP Tito Sotto to do much better.... He is within striking distance of Sara Duterte. We've seen this sudden move for people to coalesce around a common candidate.

#RapplerRecap

.@jnery_newsstand: I've seen SP Sotto preside over conference.... He's much more charismatic in those occasions. It's an average performance, I would say.

#RapplerRecap

.@jnery_newsstand says Sotto is hampered by the Lacson-Sotto strategy, which is not looking to other candidates. #RapplerRecap

Who stood out tonight?

.@jnery_newsstand: We will definitely remember Walden Bello. This is the first debate in PH history where a candidate sang.... He was also very consistent in criticizing Duterte and Marcos.

#RapplerRecap

.@jnery_newsstand says Bello also held the Comelec into account regarding what seemed to be light punishments for the debate-averse UniTeam tandem. #RapplerRecap

.@jnery_newsstand says Rizalino David who said candidates must now unite behind unified tandems to defeat Marcos and Duterte. #RapplerRecap

On Senator Kiko Pangilinan's performance, @jnery_newsstand says VP bet came prepared.

He was able to defend himself when Bello asked about Pangilinan's position regarding the rice tariffication law, Nery adds. #RapplerRecap

.@jnery_newsstand says the discussion on constitutional amendment to explicitly state the designation of the vice president is an important discussion. #RapplerRecap

.@jnery_newsstand urges media networks to broadcast Comelec debates. #RapplerRecap

On candidates who needs to improve debate performance

.@jnery_newsstand: For SP Sotto, he needs to find a way to stand out.... Nakulangan ako eh. But I really think, for him to stand out, he needs to do something dramatic. #RapplerRecap

.@jnery_newsstand: We need to pay attention to VP debates. It's not just a debate about candidates for spare tire position.

Nery cites current OVP's stellar performance, especially during pandemic. #RapplerRecap

.@jnery_newsstand says there's no time for Comelec to wait for a law to penalize absentee candidates.

Nery adds that Comelec acting on this clamor will show the body's independence. #RapplerRecap

That's a wRap! Watch #RapplerRecap on tonight's VP debates here. #PiliPinasDebates2022