How Filipinos reacted to the First #PiliPinasDebates2022 as it unfolds on Twitter

Manila, 21 March 2022 – Conversation among Filipinos ignited on Twitter following the first COMELEC (@COMELEC) presidential and vice presidential debate. A month of campaigning culminated in a lively political showdown yesterday and saw representation from almost all presidential and vice-presidential candidates as they engaged in democratic debate, generating more than 2.2 million Tweets globally related to the debates (12 pm, 19 March – 11.59 pm, 20 March).

The #PiliPinasDebates2022 hashtag became the #1 Twitter trending topic in the Philippines. The conversation peaked around 9:00 – 10:00 pm on Saturday, 19 March with over 138,000 Tweets during the closing remarks of the debate when Vice President Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) made her statement “The best man for the job is a woman.”

Filipinos on Twitter actively shared their opinions and reactions, spurring healthy conversations about the debates. Among the top hashtags from the debates were #PiliPinasDebates2022, #KayLeniNaTayo, and #Halalan2022 (in alphabetical order).

The discussion did not stop during the debates as Filipinos and the candidates headed over to Twitter to further strengthen their stance on the topics and issues raised during the first COMELEC (@COMELEC) presidential and vice-presidential debates. Here are some of the most engaged Tweets during #PiliPinasDebates2022. The Tweets come from the strong voices of Filipinos or Candidates that show their support during the live debates.

“True leaders show up and man up. Kaya po sa darating na Mayo, the best man for the job is a woman.” – @LeniRobredo#LeniKiko2022#7KikoPangilinanVicePresident#LeniKikoAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/88TC3QBr5j

— Kiko Pangilinan (@kikopangilinan) March 19, 2022

“The best man for the job is a woman.” — @lenirobredo pic.twitter.com/BozcSjDGkF

— eboy ☁️ (@eboymnl) March 19, 2022

National Statistics Authority yarn Maam @lenirobredo?! 😘

If you’re working with Leni, YOU SHOULD KNOW YOUR DATA, dahil kapag binira na niya yan, at hindi mo nasagot ng maayos, dedz. Palagi niya kaming nireremind: yung data will help us design programs better. 💗 #KayLeniTayo

— raffy magno (@raffymagno) March 19, 2022

One of my favorite moments from tonight’s #PiliPinasDebates2022: Aika and Tricia holding hands as @lenirobredo begins her closing statement. As we cheer #KayLeniNaTayo, they’ve always been their Mama’s biggest fans 💖 pic.twitter.com/DEqo6oWU9D

— Aica Dioquino (@AicaDioquino) March 19, 2022

For me, this is one election where the choice is easiest. Yet it is the hardest to win.

— FrNongnong (@iskrukutoy) March 19, 2022

Closely follow the elections on Twitter

For all major events and happenings that are critical to the public conversation, Twitter introduces dedicated Event pages to keep people updated. Similarly, for these upcoming elections and debates, Twitter is helping Filipinos with relevant information through event pages on presidential debates and vice-presidential debates.

Twitter also strongly encourages everyone to familiarise themselves with the Twitter Rules. If you see something that violates the Twitter Rules, report it. To report a Tweet, click the dropdown menu at the top of the Tweet. More information can be found here.

You can also participate in ongoing election-related conversations by using #PilipinasDebates2022 to activate customized emoji that will be available until 27 May. Inspired by the microphone used during debates and the Philippine flag, this emoji is part of our series of customized emojis aiming to be valuable visual links to aid the discoverability of election-related discussions.

About Twitter, Inc.

Twitter is what’s happening and what people are talking about right now. To learn more, visit about.twitter.com and follow @Twitter and @TwitterPH. Let’s talk.