Analysts say: Debate tested character of the candidates

CEBU, Philippines - Local political pundits believe that the second leg of the Presidential Debates, where candidates were allowed to engage in heated argument, tested their true character and provided the electorate a much clearer picture to choose who among the five presidentiables to vote for in the coming elections.

Political science professor Grace Magalzo-Bualat said Grace Poe came in “authoritative and prepared”, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte was “charismatic” while Vice President Jejomar Binay and Mar Roxas were “defensive” and “not so cordial”, respectively.

Bualat, who is also chairperson of the University of San Carlos Political Science Department, said Poe was well equipped with researches to support her arguments, making her appealing to the audience.

The crowd was entertained with how Duterte cracked jokes every now and then. In fact, the feisty mayor at one point in time had to say, “wag n’yo na lang akong tanungin.”

But Roxas and Binay, Bualat said, tended to become defensive especially on issues that directly involved them.

Binay was not spared from questions relating to the graft charges he is facing. The issue on the slow-paced passage of the Freedom of Information Bill ended up with Roxas asking Binay to explain to the public his side and the allegedly overpriced projects in Makati, such as the P280-million parking building which was bloated to P2 billion.

The vice president, however, did not categorically respond and instead averred that these were mere allegations, adding that the city is entitled to expensive projects.

Roxas, the former secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, also did not answer directly when the issues on Yolanda rehabilitation efforts were brought up.

Bualat said Roxas was not as cordial as the other candidates during the entire debate. Oftentimes, TV5 News and Public Affairs head Luchi Cruz-Valdes, who was the debate moderator, had to stop Roxas for going beyond the allotted time.

Roxas was also observed butting in when his fellow candidates had their 30-second opportunity to rebut.

Bualat suggested that the candidates be more specific in the next round of the presidential debate scheduled on April 24 at the University of Pangasinan.

“They should have concrete platforms, most of them kay general ang platforms, no concrete steps sa pag-implement. They have to be more concrete with their stand on the issues thrown against them… They have to come more prepared. They should support their answers with figures and competent researches,” she told The FREEMAN over the phone.

“Next time, we stick to the rules of the debate,” she added.

Lawyer Elaine Bathan, Eastern Visayas governor of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and assistant dean of the University of San Jose Recolletos (USJR) College of Law, said yesterday’s debate allows the voters to personally assess the candidates.

“The debate highlights the true test of the character of the person, that way we see their knowledge about the real situation of their country, how they may address these issues and sincerity to better the lives of the country,” she said.

“It tested the character of each candidate and showed who among them were able to touch upon relevant issues and not simply evade them. With this second series I am sure the voting public now has a clearer take on who to vote,” she added.

Lawyer Earl Bonachita, former IBP-Cebu City Chapter president, said the debate was very helpful in disseminating to the people important information about the candidates they were rooting for.   

“It is good that these national debates are now happening as it is in accordance with the Fair Election Act wherein the Comelec can require national TV and radio networks to sponsor the same,” Bonachita said.

Except for the more than one hour delay, Bonachita said the debate was successful.   

“This time around there was really heated exchange of ideas between and among them. The audience must’ve already noticed who has depth in arguments and those who were so shallow in their statements and who instead resorted to name-calling,” he said.

The debate, which was covered live by TV 5, was delayed by more than one hour because of some issues on the guidelines. Vice President Jejomar Binay insisted on bringing along his notes and other documents. The Commission on Elections does not allow bringing of notes during the debate.

 Binay’s camp insisted on bringing with him his notes claiming he was allowed by TV 5’s news chief Luchi Cruz Valdez. The latter apologized for the miscommunication.  Binay was forced to face the debate without his notes after Comelec chairman Andres Bautista ruled to stick to the rules of the debate.

Bathan said it was the right decision made by Bautista.

“I conform, however, that Rules should be followed. Name calling was unnecessary but it showcased ones character. The essence of presidential debate is to illicit from the candidate their views and opinions on various issue not bully them,” Bathan said.— Mylen P. Manto/FPL (FREEMAN)