THE people involved in the payment mess surrounding the debates sponsored by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) could face criminal and administrative charges, The Manila Times learned Monday.

The series of debates — featuring presidential and vice presidential candidates in the May 9 elections — were originally scheduled last weekend but were called off after Impact Hub Manila, the event organizer hired by the Comelec, issued bad checks to the owner of Sofitel Philippine Plaza, the hotel where the debates were to have been held.