By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, Aug 10 (PNA) — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Permanent Committee on Public Affairs (CBCP-PCPA) lauded the plan of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold presidential debates for the electorate to further know the abilities of those who want to be the leader of the country.
Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary, CBCP-PCPAsaid it is a good venue for the people to know the candidates aspiring for the highest position in the land.
“I support such debates. That will give the electorate the opportunity to gauge the candidates and help them make informed choices in picking our next leaders,” he said.
But, the Catholic priest recommended that the debate should not only focus on their platforms”.
“However, I propose that it shouldn’t be a mere free-wheeling presentation of their platforms that will simply be rebutted by the others but on the more pressing issues confronting our country today such as the Anti-Political Dynasty, Freedom of Information Bill, BBL, DAP and PDAF, Unemployment, K-12, Drugs and others,” he said.
Secillano added, “This way, they will not only be hurling stones at each other but they will be able to present their stand on issues affecting our people.”
The CBCP-PCPA official noted the public should not be persuaded by good speakers as they should also look at the qualities such as honesty, integrity and credibility of the person.
“But, voters should be more vigilant and more discerning too about the important qualities needed by our next leaders because such debates, I think, will only show us the more competent and the more prepared candidate in addressing our nation’s problems. Qualities such as Honesty, Integrity and Credibility are values that are hardly seen in debates,” he added.
On the other hand, the citizens’ arm of the Comelec, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) supported the proposal of the poll body body.
“Presidential debates are always useful, PPCRV has been organizing in collaboration with media such debates for the past elections. Comelec now mandating it is good education/information for the public to better know the candidates,” said PPCRV chairperson Henrietta de Villa.
At the same time, she is hoping that such activity will also provide equal opportunity to not so popular candidates.
“The PPCRV hopes though that such debates include all even the less known candidates, and that other groups like PPCRV, academe, business, among others, be involved,” De Villa added.
Earlier, the poll body said that it is planning to organize debates among presidential candidates in some venues around the country.
Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said a technical working group has been formed to study this and “come up with mechanisms and guidelines.” (PNA)