The Philippine Online Chronicles

“We are willing to implement unpopular policies as long as it is for the common good.”

This is how presidentiable Senator Richard “Dick” Gordon and running mate Bayani Fernando described their overall thrust in governance if they win the 2010 Elections.

Both politicians faced queries covering crucial issues today in a question-and-answer forum at blogwatch.ph

'Strong political will'

Both candidates strongly emphasized that “a strong political will” is a must to effectively run the government while stressing that decisions and policies “must be made regardless of public perception."

“When you lead, you want to change things. You can't be the captive of your constituents. You have to make decisions,” Gordon, chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and former chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, said.

“Dapat ang anak takot sa ama. Pag ang ama takot sa anak, sira ang pamilya. Ganun din ang lider. (the child must always fear his father. If the father is afraid of his child, the family is destroyed. A leader must be also like that)” said Fernando, former chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

When asked if both candidates will adopt a “dictatorial” system of governance and if they themselves are dictators because of their emphasis on “strong political will”, Fernando said that these allegations are mere “criticisms.”

“Hindi alam ng tao ang pagiging diktador (people do not know what a dictator is),” said Fernando. On his part, Gordon said that "I am not a dictator... I am a good Dick, not a -tator."

'No compromise'

Gordon also stated that although he will “listen” to the Catholic church, he will still “make his own decision” on issues, particularly the Reproductive Health Bill.

He also said that the Philippines must “bring” its claim to Sabah to international courts and that the Philippine government must not compromise its stake in the Malaysian territory.

On budget and finance

Gordon plans to allocate more budget to infrastructure projects, education, and the upgrade of military facilities and equipment, especially for the maritime fleet and the air force.

Gordon is also in favor of mining as long as “it doesn't destroy the environment” and the retention of the pork barrel fund for as long as its allocation is “transparent.”

He also vowed to “strengthen tax collection,” to “stop smuggling,” and to “encourage” investment by building up “tourism enterprise zones” and promote local tourism.

Both politicians have branded themselves as the "Transformers" who aim to transform Philippine politics.

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