Presidentiables Face Again; Tackles Policy & Relations
Disclaimer: This news article is an abridged write-up of the #PiliPinas Presidential Debates Part 2. Some answers and candidates’ insinuations are taken into context of the article.
By: Tobey Fhar Isaac Calayo and Shekhina Madayag Dandin
The 2nd installment of the Commission of Elections’ (COMELEC) #PiliPinas Presidential Debates happened on April 3, 2022 with Ces Drilon as the moderator. The topics discussed were human rights, accountability, international relations, community wellness, energy, domestic and labor policies among others.
Nine (9) out of the ten (10) presidential candidates were present, with Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos Jr. skipping the COMELEC debates for the second time.
Former Presidential Spokesperson and DFA Undersecretary Ernesto Abella
In building a better system to solve corruption, Abella acknowledged that corruption itself is the driving force that widens the economic gap between the rich and the poor. He highlighted the need to activate the participation of civil society in local governments.
To resolve political dynasties, he reinforced that politicians owe the assurance of integrity to the electorate. This could be done by pushing for issue-based political parties that are active even beyond election years, this will assure clear political goals and platforms, and also zero in on the need to stop political turncoatism.
To stop China’s continued militarization, he stated that the failure to confront China stems from economic reasons. He would provide a statement of cooperation between ASEAN countries (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) to push China back.
Abella’s experience as a presidential spokesperson opened him to positive narratives on the current administration’s anti-drug programs. He acknowledged that human rights are inherent in every citizen and sees the need to reduce demands while limiting supply, and giving people more opportunities to address war on drugs.
To foster and ensure the growth of ‘renewable sources’ of energy, he underscored the need to make agriculture a mega-industry, while developing wind, solar, turbine, and biomass. Another major industry is the activation of the youth in nation-building. He is also considering nuclear energy, but must focus on the risks and rewards involved.
Labor Leader Ka Leody de Guzman
De Guzman aims to solve corruption as a systemic problem by reinforcing institutions built to go after ill-gotten wealth, and reforming political systems and elections in the country to filter out corrupt officials from re-elections and to intensify poll watching.
Combating elitists and capitalists, he aims to implement an enabling and filtering law against turncoatism to strengthen political parties for the service of the masses.
He also stressed the need for a direct stance against the oppression in Myanmar, stating that its national government must be the first one to recognize the human rights of every citizen before releasing a statement against the atrocities in other countries.
In relation to human rights, he recognized the need for a civil society. He was strongly against the current administration’s ‘Kill, Kill, Kill’, constant red-tagging, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and abuse of the Anti-Terror Law.
He also highlighted the need to release Sen. Leila de Lima from politically-motivated detention as a result of her investigation in Davao. He said that such human rights will continue to be violated unless dynasty-alliances and big businesses persist.
The lack of a political will prevents our transition to renewable sources of energy, De Guzman said. There must be a call to speed-up this transition and to release coal plants.
Manila Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso
Moreno plans to digitalize the system for government transactions to limit human intervention and establish transparency.
He acknowledged the notion to create a new party system to strengthen the political party system in the Philippines. He believes that the party-list system must continue, given that every region and the marginalized sectors would be properly represented.
To secure the welfare of Filipino migrant workers, he emphasized the need for a bilateral labor agreement for Filipinos abroad and the deployment of competent labor officers in Philippine embassies globally.
With regards to the militarization of China in the West Philippine Sea, he believes that ASEAN countries would not take our side for various reasons. The issue should be discussed in the United Nations General Assembly, he suggested.
When asked about Sen. Leila de Lima’s case, he guarantees that she will be able to exercise her rights in the court of justice and be judged accordingly under his administration.
Regarding the situation in Myanmar, he supported Sen. Lacson’s statement in joining the petition to stop the country’s repression of its citizens. The other ASEAN countries should participate in relaying the Filipinos’ stand against the repression.
He said that living peacefully and providing basic needs are basic human rights. These should be prioritized, along with granting the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) more funds.
Considering the geographical location of the Philippines, a two-way approach where we generate energy and clean renewable energy as an environment friendly and more efficient source of energy would be ideal according to Moreno.
Former Secretary of National Defense Noberto Gonzales
With regards to corruption, Gonzales would first assess whether the current constitution needs further revisions, or if the governing system should be reformed.
He stated that political parties are necessary for democracy, and is neither just an instrument for election campaigns nor is it merely an organization for politicians. Such groups are formed to direct the government and society for the country. Understanding what political parties are for should come first before creating a law against turncoats, he said.
He believes that the ASEAN should have a concrete stance on the issue of China’s militarization in the West Philippine Sea. Instead of a consensus decision, the sentiment of the majority should be honored in determining their stand on the matter.
The CHR should be given more authority to fight against any violation of human rights. Aside from that, the organization should be granted additional funds to improve its performance.
He argued that we are not short on water resources. The problem stems from unmaintained pipelines, leading to an overall inadequate water supply to consumers.
Senator Panfilo Lacson
Lacson said that corruption is rooted from politicians themselves. Current leaders should set an example and proceed to fulfill their proposed way of governance for the system to succeed. To test one’s character, give him power, and offer him money, and see what he would do with it as this would determine how that person would respond to corruption.
He stated that although the constitution does not allow the reign of political dynasties, the absence of a law has led to its neglect. The law must define the affinity and consanguinity that underlies the issue.
On the issue in Myanmar, Lacson said that the Philippines should join in the declaration of the ASEAN countries to oppose the repression that the government of Myanmar is subjecting its people to, since it is an obligation from the United Nations to protect human rights.
As the sponsor of CHR’s budget in the Senate, Lacson understood the need to augment their budget to fund their work. However, the authority that was proposed to be granted to the commission is beyond what the constitution has mandated, prompting its revision.
Businessman Faisal Mangondato
Mangondato mentioned that the financial system is outdated and does not cater to the contemporary needs of the government for it to operate without corruption, allowing bribery and extortion to persist among the departments and local government. It should be reformed to fulfill the current demand for proper governance.
He believes that the party-list system should be abolished, changing the system from a populist to a federalist government. Political dynasties are a problem in Philippine politics, and should be eliminated regardless of whether the people voted for them or not because it is what the law implies.
Our national interest should be protected when it comes to choosing our position on issues handled by the ASEAN, he said. Internal conflicts should be solved first so that we could stand firm and united in our stance on international issues such as territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
When asked about the issue of extrajudicial killings (EJK), Mangondato stated that the government should be able to protect the right of a person to live and be subjected to due process when indicted for a crime such as being involved in illegal drugs. The individual should be investigated thoroughly instead of killing them just for the sake of enforcing the law.
The government should prioritize agriculture to establish food security in the country.
Medical Doctor and Attorney Jose Montemayor Jr.
Montemayor claimed that corruption is caused by both the system and politicians, a combination of the processes and the attitudes. He pointed out that there are already implemented laws against graft and corruption, but must be strengthened.
He believes that the removal of the party-list system will only aggravate matters and underrepresent certain marginalized groups. He also blamed the system for having undergone successive changes that were deterrent to its nature.
Citing the 2017 agreement, Montemayor emphasized that OFWs in the ASEAN have the rights to protection and a free practice of profession. He believes that there are no problems in free-trade engagements, but highlighted the issue on undocumented OFWs as their civil and legal aspects are prone to the abuse of their employers.
In foreign relations and positions against China, he believes that there will be countries siding with their intrusions because of their economical and social debt, while others would remain politically neutral.
“Extrajudicial killings are very obvious.” Montemayor believes that the war on drugs has started since the Marcos regime, claiming it as a ‘res ipsa loquitur’ meaning ‘the thing speaks for itself’ in Latin. He mentioned that after the Duterte administration, policemen themselves will attest to the current administration’s atrocities and human rights violations.
In relation, he believes that the CHR is important and must be given quasi-judicial functions on top of fiscal autonomy, especially due to prevailing human rights abuses.
His administration will go-back to previous core competences of the agriculture sector, where an aggressive approach to lessen interdependency to other countries will develop. He aims to remove the Rice Tariffication Law to become self-sufficient, as he also acknowledges the impact of climate change.
Senator Manny Pacquiao
With regards to corruption, Sen. Pacquiao believes that no automation equates to no operation, where leadership and political will is greatly needed. He also gave importance in enforcing punishment to corrupt officials, stating that thieves among government officials will persist if no one is convicted and jailed.
Pacquiao emphasized the democratic nature of the Philippines where leaders are voted, not appointed. He urged all political dynasties to remain transparent and instill integrity to lessen corruption, but not prohibit them from running for office. He further expressed that only the poor are expected to follow laws while the wealthy are given a free-pass.
To help migrant workers in the ASEAN, he will ensure the welfare of the OFWs, an independent foreign policy, and to not allow ourselves to be looked down on by other countries.
Pacquiao stated that to have a strong position in condemning neighboring countries against their human rights injustices, the country first needs to ensure its integrity and credibility by being the first one to respect human rights and upholding a clean reputation.
In the war on drugs, Pacquiao intends to continue the current administration’s anti-drug campaign, and aims to protect the army while prosecuting corrupt officials and policemen.
He mentioned that his program to aid nutrition is composed of production, distribution, and consumption. He wants to lessen importation to help the farmers’ sustainable livelihood.
Vice President Leni Robredo
To solve systemic problems of corruption, Vice President Leni Robredo wants a system that forces public officials to be good and transparent. She emphasized on accountability, transparency, and people empowerment as important criteria, paired with a full-disclosure policy as her first executive order while creating a citizen’s charter to activate people within the process as they bridge every transaction digitally.
When asked regarding political turncoatism, she agrees that it weakens the political party system of the Philippines which must be changed to reinforce the values ingrained within each party. Robredo also expressed that she is open to change in the election process.
To safeguard migrant workers in the ASEAN, she plans to lead a program that encourages undocumented workers to appear in consulates, and also entitling them to health and social benefits. She wants OFWs to leave the country by choice and not by necessity, and can only be achieved by giving them opportunities in work, dignity, and career in the country.
Addressing her fellow candidates, Robredo intensifies that there is a difficulty in the formation of a code of conduct because of other nations’ political, economical, and social innate alliances. She wants the Philippines to lead in the position of the ASEAN towards China because of the arbitral ruling.
Robredo said that the current administration’s war against drugs focuses on street-level enforcement. She highlighted that there must be a focus on supply construction, as data shows that there is a limited amount of drugs curtailed.
In renewable sources of energy, she restated the goal of becoming carbon-neutral; however, she added that the Philippines currently has no clear goals and plans on achieving this. Data shows that the energy mix went from 34% down to 20%, she urges an incremental transition from a fossil fuel-dependent source of electricity to a carbon neutral one.
This environmental advocacy also includes water management. Robredo emphasized that problems on water supply will only expand. Therefore, she intends to prioritize infrastructure projects centered on water resource management.
Reference
ANC 24/7. (2022, April 4). FULL: Comelec 2nd Presidential Debate 2022 | ANC [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r93xH8ClMJk
