Let’s Get the Debate On
By Ricky Gelido
Posted by Bulatlat
The
political cauldron is getting hot. And it is expected to get hotter until
May 14, the voting day. The intensity could even extend until the counting
of the last vote.
Since
the onset of the campaign period, political gimmickry has permeated all
over the country. Politicos have been trying their best to attract
votes. They have been going to the provinces, going down to the level of
the masses. They have even been using the political ads as a formidable
weapon. The Genuine Opposition [GO] and Team Unity [TU] senatoriables may
still be keeping their aces and secret weapons.
But
there’s one exciting part of the senatorial derby. One good idea worth
watching is the proposed debate among the senatorial candidates.
The
debate must not only revolve around economic issues. There are more
important issues that must be dealt with. The peace and order and the
extra judicial killings that have been [included] the fodder of the
international news must not be forgotten. Issues that concern the problems
of the Filipino people, especially the poor ones, must be tackled.
The GO
wants the debate to be staged at the historic Plaza Miranda; the TU
insists it must be in the Manila Hotel. Obviously, each party is proposing
where each “homecourt advantage” could be enjoyed. If it is in Plaza
Miranda, hecklers and even terrorists could be there. Plaza Miranda
bombing could not be far from being [to be] repeated. If it is in Manila
Hotel, the opposition would cry foul. To be fair and be assured of safety,
why not hold the debate in a disinterested TV station?
This
debate could be a way of knowing who will best continue the legacy of the
eloquent and brilliant leaders like Claro M. Recto, Lorenzo Tanada, Ninoy
Aquino, Camilo Osias, Arturo Tolentino, Ferdinand Marcos, Rene Saguisag,
Jovito Salonga, Blas Ople, Raul Roco, Amang Rodriguez, Manuel L. Quezon,
Jose Diokno and Jose P. Laurel among others.
In a
country of politicians who have embraced the idea of turncoatism, in an
age where Filipino people have become seemingly silent lambs, at a time
that part - if not the majority - of the electorate is angry over what
have been ripping the country, this debate could make a difference. This
debate could showcase the best among the senatorial candidates. It could
also unveil the candidates who are simply blabbermouths.
The
Senate is an august body that should be composed of illustrious and
well-principled men. Hence, the public should gauge each candidate very
well. All the beliefs and ideas of the candidates must be laid out to the
electorate. All must be sacrificed in the altar of public scrutiny. And
then let the people be the judge who will best step in the springboard of
Philippine Presidents.
Let all
the parameters of the debate set the soonest. Let all the Team Unity
candidates get ready. Let all the Genuine Opposition candidates be ready.
Then let’s get on with it!
Posted by Bulatlat
Ricky Gelido, 26 years old, is from Pangasinan.
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