Group eyes ‘environment debate’ for presidentiables

CEBU, Philippines - Pro-environment Green Thumb Coalition is looking to host a separate presidential debate aimed at examining the presidential candidates' stand on environmental concerns.

"The plans are still very tentative but originally, when we were convening this coalition, we included (discussions on) the hosting of this presidential debate on the environment. So we're not sure if it will happen but we're hoping that we can make it happen," said Naderev Saño, executive director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, which a member of Green Thumb Coalition.

Saño, though, acknowledged that the biggest challenge lies in getting all the candidates to convene for the proposed event, which would give the public an avenue to listen to their bets and discern each of their priorities.

"There's a good chance it can happen. It really depends on the schedules of the presidentiables… That's the biggest challenge-for us to get them to be available on the same day, noting that this has to be a televised debate to reach as many voters as possible," he said.

Saño, however, clarified that holding a separate debate to be held outside Metro Manila only surfaced after discussions with members.

"It is an active discussion within the coalition that's why we're thinking of having it in Manila which will not be part of the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) debates. This will be separate from the COMELEC debates. We're trying to organize that so right now it's really just a concept that's being discussed," he said.

If the environment debate would proceed, he said, they would focus on the nine-point agenda that would be presented to the candidates, namely :1) biodiversity and ecosystem integrity; (2) natural resource and land use management and governance; (3) human rights and integrity of creation; (4) climate justice; (5) mining, extractives and mineral resource management; (6) energy transformation and democracy; (7) sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty; (8) people-centered sustainable development and governance; and (9) waste.

"If we have a debate that's focused on the environment alone, we will be able to test whether the candidates are really taking it seriously on how much knowledge they have on these issues and how deep their understanding is of the environmental issues," said Saño.

Apart from their platforms and agendas, he said it is important for the potential leaders to take a clear stand or position on issues concerning the environment.

"There's a big difference between their program and their position. On their program, they can talk about anything. They can tell a lot of things that they will do when they win. But their position is very important… we will judge them according to their position (on environmental issues) right now," he said. (FREEMAN)