The Commission on Elections (Comelec) should include climate change as a topic of debate among presidential candidates as the May 10, 2010 draws near, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairperson of the Senate foreign affairs committee, said last Wednesday.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel Jr., and Sen. Edgardo J. Angara supported Santiago’s proposal that she explained in detail in a privilege speech in last Wednesday’s regular session.

Senator Loren Legarda, a known environmental advocate, earlier dared presidential candidates to an open debate on critical issues, particularly climate change.

Angara also emphasized the importance of making key reforms and candidates’ platforms the focus of the presidential debate in 2010. (Mario Casayuran)