LIVE updates: 2019 Senatorial Debates (Round 2)

MANILA, Philippines — The second round of debates among senatorial candidates for the May 2019 polls initiated by ABS-CBN is slated on Sunday, February 24.

Among the senatorial bets who are expected to attend the second Harapan 2019 debate are opposition candidates Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and human rights lawyer Erin Tanada.

Former Pagsanjan, Laguna Mayor Abner Afuang, former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares, independent candidate Agnes Escudero, and former federalism Consultative Committee spokesperson Ding Generoso are also expected to join the debate.

Meanwhile, administration candidates who initially agreed to join the debate reportedly backed out to join President Rodrigo Duterte in a campaign rally in Cebu. These candidates include former Philippine National Police and corrections bureau chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan, and re-electionist Sen. JV Ejercito.

ABS-CBN said former Sen. Sergio "Serge" Osmeña III will also skip the debate.

The debate will follow a town hall format. The third part of the debate is slated on March 3.

Follow the LIVE updates as some senatorial aspirants face off and discuss current issues of the country at 7 p.m.

ABS-CBN and Philstar.com are part of Tsek.ph fact-checking initiative led by the University of the Philippines.