QUEZON City, Philippines (February 20) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) invited presidential and vice-presidential candidates to join the national debates. COMELEC insisted candidates to take part, but they are given the choice of whether to attend or not, retaining the absentee/s’ chair if they pick the latter. “A clear seat is message enough” said COMELEC Chairman Andres Bautista, referring to “duwag” candidates.
The prime purpose of the national debate is to give candidates the opportunity to lay their platforms and stand on prominent issues. Debates may be one of the oldest forms of discussing arguments, but a televised discussion can be a thing to change voters’ choices for the “mark”. Debates are more than telling plans and public speaking.
Aside from political analysts and experts, the public deserves to see and hear how the “runners” would defend their ideas in simple language. The pep talks and charismatic speeches spewed during campaign rallies are not enough, and purely one sided. Their statements in news and talk shows were just bits and often subjective.
During the debates, a little dead air, confused facial expression or blunt answer can change thousands and even millions of pre-favorites. This is where candidates show their knowledge, composure, and how they would answer their faults; if they’re accepting them or would just point fingers. Whose method is better and worse, let them squabble based on evidences.
Let’s just hope that the organizers and the moderators do their job when things get out of hand. No dramas, no comedy, no statements that demand pity or compassion. These are the things why formality and objectivity exists.
Others say it’s nonsense to have these kind of talks, and that we’re only imitating America in their presidential debates. I say, this is a chance to face the masses with a strong impression, boldness and confidence; and according to Fair Elections Act, it is completely okay to hold such proving events. Besides, public appearance televised for free? Even a veteran politician wouldn’t want to miss that.
(written by Rex Felix Salvador I, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)