A question was asked to the nine presidential aspirants, hits hard on the former senator and dictator’s son, Bongbong Marcos, who is a perennial absentee in almost presidential debates.
During the CNN Philippines-organized Presidential Debate, last night, February 27, a podium for the night’s absentee, Bongbong Marcos, was left empty on the stage. Interestingly, one of the general questions asked for all the candidates, was whether or not a presidential candidate needs to attend presidential as suchs. Marcos, who wasn’t there, didn’t need to come to convey his disagreement. His absence speaks volumes of his thoughts on the matter. It can be recalled, the presidential aspirant has skipped no less than four major interviews a debates, including the widely-talked about Jessica Soho-hosted presidential interview in January.
Present at the debate are Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Senator Panfilo Lacson, Senator Manny Pacquiao, Former Defense Chief Norberto Gonzales, Labor leader Leody de Guzman, Lawyer Jose Montemayor, Former Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella, Faisal Mangondato, and Vice President Leni Robredo. Bongbong Marcos, who already skipped at least three major presidential interviews and debates, declared his inability to attend the event, a few days prior.
The issue of whether political aspirants should attend debates has been enduring and inevitable, ever since the campaign season kicked off last January. Most voters, especially the undecided ones, look forward to hearing each candidate’s take on various national concerns. Debates ultimately become a platform to see each aspirant’s preparedness to tackle tough questions head-on, and sometimes, they become mirrors of their character, too. Last night, the candidates are given a chance to express their thoughts on the importance of their presence at the debate.
Of the nine candidates, only Montemayor said it was not important. The lawyer and physician said the CNN Presidential Debate is not the classic debate he was expected to attend. “Walang contrarian approach” he argued. Nevertheless, he acknowledged CNN Philippines for allowing him to introduce himself to the public.
Senator Pacquiao believes it is importance because it is a way to see the sincerity of the candidate “…maraming nagpapaganggap eh, kunwari mabait…hindi makabasag pinggan. Mayroon nga nagsusuot ng punit punit…Importabte talaga ito dahil maipapahayag mo ang plano mo sa bansa” (Many candidates pretend during election…some pretends to be kind and meek, some even wear rugged clothes. It it simportant because it allows us to lay out our plans to the public), he said.
Vice President Robredo agrees on the importance of debates, saying “…pagkakataon ito para marinig iyong aming mga plano…level ang playing field dito, magkakatabi kami. Ito ang pagkakataon ng taong bayan na makita ang aming demeanor, ang aming character” (This is our chance to lay down our plans. We’re in a leveled playing field…this is the Filipinos’ chance to scrutinize our demeanor and character) she argued. She again took a swipe at former senator Marcos, by saying “Number one ingredient ng leadership aside from character is, you show up in difficult times. ‘Pag hindi ka mag-show up in the most difficult times, hindi ka leader” (Aside from character, it’s your presence during the most trying times that says a lot about your leadership skills. You’re not a true leader if you don’t show up at times when things are tough).
Former Duterte spokesperson, Ernesto Abella, meanwhile, believes in the importance of debates for it allows voters to see where the candidates are coming from, in their stances on various issues. “…mahalaga na magkaharap tayo para mailatag, marinig, makita natin ang mga plano” (…it’s important that we face each other, so that we can share our plans, to be heard, and for us to see the plans).
Ka Leady de Guzman didn’t waste his chance to call out Marcos for his absence at the event; he said “Dapat nandito ‘yung isang kasama namin…importante ‘to para masabi at malaman sana ng mga botante ang mga plataporma” (The one who isn’t here should have come. It’s important for us to say and for voters to know our plans).
Mayor Isko Moreno, echoed seven fellow aspirants’ sentiment and argued that “…napakahalaga ‘po, sapagkat buhay po ng tao ang ating paglilingkuran sa anim na taon. Kayo po ang HR department, kami ay aplikante sa trabaho. Gusto mo bang maghire ng isang empleyado na hindi mo nakausap…nalaman kung anong karanasan, magagawa…” (It’s important because it’s the lives of our countrymen at stake. You are the HR department, while we are the applicants. Would you accept an applicant you haven’t even talked to, or learned what his experiences and skills are?).
Norberto Gonzales took his chance to extend his gratitude to CNN Philippines for inviting a non-frontrunner like him. “Salamat may mga debate…meron tayong pagkakataon na maipaliwanag sa ating mga kababayan ang pangangailangan ng bagong sistema sa pulitika” (I’m thankful for giving us the chance to let our countrymen know the need to change our current political system).
Senator Lacson acknowledged the fair chance given by the debate to each candidate. “Dito masusukat, maarok, yung wisdom ng bawat isa…pati na yung grasp sa mga issues. Minsan pati character lumalabas sa mga debate na ganito” (Through debates, you can gauge the candidate’s wisdom and his grasp of the current and old issues. Sometimes, even the character of the candidate gets exposed in this kind of exercise), he noted.
Lastly, Mangondato also believes that debates are important. “Mahalaga po ang isang debate para malaman ng ating mga kababayan, ano ba talaga ang kailangan sa sitwasyon ngayon sa ating bansa. Ano ba ang mga dinadala ng mga kandidato, na kailangang masaliksik ng ating kababayan” (It is a must so that our fellowmen can know what really is needed to attend to the country’s needs, what the candidates have that the voters must first scrutinize), he noted.
The CNN Philippines Presidential Debate is a missed opportunity for Marcos to either win more viewers or keep current loyalists. But it seems the former dictator’s son opted to stay safe. It’s also worth noting that the last time he attended a CNN Philippines-hosted debate, he was pounded by questions concerning his family’s ill-gotten wealth.
