The House Independent Bloc on Saturday backed the Commission on Elections’ plan to hold a presidential debate nationwide for the 2016 presidential derby.
Bloc leader and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said that such a proposal of the Comelec would educate the electorate about the candidates’ platform of government.
“Let us promote voter education about platform of government that candidates may offer to the people and put an end to mudslinging. This will help the electorate discern who to vote for and will also expose candidates on their positions about pressing issues that may affect the country,” Romualdez, a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa).
Romualdez also pointed out as the presidential debates would provide a mechanism for exacting accountability with regards to candidates’ campaign promises.
Abakada party-list Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz, member of Romualdez’s the Bloc, said the conduct of presidential debates in the country is necessary.
“It is imperative that the same should be undertaken so the public gets to appreciate the plans and programs, and the personalities involved,” de la Cruz said.
An administration ally, Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez underscored the importance of presidential debates to promote positive campaign instead of political mudslinging.
Benitez, chair of the House committee on housing and on urban development, stressed “voters deserve better” in the coming polls by allowing them to watch and listen presidential debates that would “encourage candidates to focus on substantive issues and public policies.”
“The proposal for presidential debates will help strengthen the country’s democracy where voters will have an informed choice on the candidates for next year’s elections,” Benitez said.
Earlier, several House leaders welcomed the plan of the Comelec chair Andres Bautista to organize and revive the conduct of debates among presidential candidates in preparations for the 2016 national elections.
Reps. Elpidio Barzaga, Jr. of Cavite, Fred Castro of Capiz and Bolet Banal of Quezon City said the idea of the Comelec, if pushes through, would provide a venue for voters to choose among candidates whom they think would advance the people’s interests and welfare.
But House deputy minority leader and 1-BAP party-list Rep. Silvestre Bello III said he does not see presidential debates as an effective tool as wager for voters on whom to choose among presidential bets.
“Debate is not an effective and accurate assessment of the candidates’ qualification, programs and policies,” Bello told The Standard.
Bello, a former justice secretary, said “track record should be the basis.”
The Comelec said Republic Act (RA) No. 9006 or the Fair Elections Act, it authorizes the poll body to require national television and radio networks to sponsor at least three national debates among presidential candidates and at least one for vice presidential bets.
Bautista said the law provides the schedules for the debates during the campaign period.
The last debate organized by the Comelec was in 1992.
Bautista said the Comelec will adopt international best practices for the debates.