Ex-Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has backed out of the last presidential panel interview, citing a desire to concentrate on his presidential campaign before the May 9 elections.

His spokesperson, Atty. Vic Rodriguez made the announcement in a statement, “With less than 2 weeks before the May 9 elections, frontrunner Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has decided to forego his participation in the Comelec’s presidential panel interview, which was scheduled on May 1, 2022.”

Marcos expressed gratitude to the polling organization for inviting him and acknowledged the value of the gathering.

Rodriguez stated that, “He opted, however, to conclude the entire 90-day campaign period with visits to his supporters and compliances with previous commitments for political events, like town hall meetings and political rallies.”

Marcos, who is rating far ahead in multiple polls ahead of the election, backed out of the first two Comelec-sponsored debates on March 19 and April 3.

Marcos’ campaign has stated that he will not participate in debates that are only intended to set candidates against one another, arguing that the people is tired of “political mudslinging.”

Following the postponement of the last round of discussions due to a contractor’s refusal to pay Sofitel for hosting the meetings, the poll organization has revised the format.

According to Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, just two candidates for president, Ernesto Abella and Faisal Mangondato, have offered firm commitments that they will attend in the panel interviews as of Thursday morning.