Aksyon Demokratiko chairman Ernest Ramel on Friday urged the Commission on Elections to hold more debates among national candidates, including the senatorial aspirants.
“It’s high time for the Comelec to provide a venue for senatorial candidates to bare their legislative agenda in a formal setting. It’s not enough and interesting if the debates would only be limited to presidential and vice presidential candidates for the 2022 elections,” Ramel said.
Ramel recalled that the national debates administered in 2016 by Comelec, assisted by the Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters sa Pilipinas (KBP), only centered on three presidential candidates and only one debate for vice presidential candidates.
Aksyon’s presidential candidate is Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, while cardiologist Dr. Willie Ong is the party’s vice presidential bet.
Moro civic leader Samira Gutoc; two-term Quezon City Councilor Jopet Sison; and registered nurse and midwife Carl Balita are Aksyon’s only senatorial bets.
Ramel said Aksyon’s senatorial lineup is composed of highly-qualified candidates and very competent in their respective fields of expertise.
“We are also proud to say that Aksyon’s national candidates – for president, vice president and senator are all self-made and they do not rely on a political dynasty unlike most national candidates,” said Ramel.
Ramel said a Comelec-sponsored senatorial debate will provide a venue for the likes of Gutoc, Sison and Balita to amplify their respective legislative agenda, which is aligned with the “Bilis Kilos” 10-point program of governance of Mayor Isko and Doc Willie.
Meanwhile, dozens of leaders and representatives from the Muslim business community, transport groups and other volunteer groups have formally pledged their support to the presidential campaign of Domagoso.
Members of the coalition Pilipinas God First: United Bangsamoro Isko for President Movement took their oath before Mayor Isko Wednesday and assured him of their all-out support in the Muslim business community in Metro Manila, as well as affiliates and networks across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
“Other national candidates have tried to get our support, but we decided to join Mayor Isko’s presidential campaign because of his genuine concern for the Muslim community in Manila,” said the Muslim group.
The coalition of Muslim business organizations include Metro Manila Traders Association; Greenhills Muslim Business Club Foundation, Inc.
(GMBCF) and the Muslim Traders Associations in Greenhills in San Juan; Farmers’ Market in Cubao; Market Market in Taguig; Ever Gotesco, St. Francis Square, Metrowalk, Star Mall, Tutuban, 999 and 168 Malls.
The group lauded Domagoso for the construction of the Manila Islamic Cemetery, which is an exclusive burial ground for Manila Muslim residents and the first to be built in the National Capital Region.
Many Muslims were also resident-beneficiaries of the Basecommunity housing project in Tondo which was formally turned over by the city government last July.
Other sectoral groups who took their oath of support for Mayor Isko are Muntinlupa Isko Supporters led by Richard Torres; Truck Drivers of the Philippines Party List and the Federation of Quezon City Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association.
Domagoso thanked the volunteer groups by pointing to the statue of Rajah Sulaiman and the painted walls of the ‘Bulwagan’ depicting the story of Manila and spoke of Muslim ancestors being integral parts of Manila’s history.
The Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer also explained that it has been his guiding principle in public service to give equal treatment and equal opportunity to all productive members of society.
“A major part of my platform of government will focus on the immediate, inclusive and doable economic plans and programs that will benefit every Filipino regardless of social status,” Mayor Isko said.
Domagoso also mentioned his plan to cut taxes on fuel and electricity that will benefit everyone across the board, more directly the truck and tricycle drivers and operators who have been adversely affected by the continuous increase in fuel prices.
More volunteer groups are scheduled to pledge their support for Mayor Isko, who is running on a platform of good, clean, transparent, and inclusive governance, fast, effective, and efficient government action, and leadership by example.