The Philippine Online Chronicles

The question "Why should Cebuanos vote for him?" also means "Why should Filipinos elect him?"

One of six presidential aspirants who came to speak to Cebuanos would be our next president, I pray. It had been very good if the other four presidential aspirants were present but having six was good enough. Although they were not all present, no one asked "where are the others?"

For the first time, in Cebu, six out of ten presidential candidates sat together in a forum dubbed "Choices and Voices for 2010: An Encounter with the Presidentiables".

The forum was organized by Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), and the Cebu Business Club. It was held at Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City on January 22, 2010.

Among those who attended were Sen. Noynoy Aquino, former President Joseph Estrada, Sen. Richard Gordon, former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, and Sen. Manny Villar.

Some 2,000 people from all walks of life were present. All were eager to hear the 'voices' of the six presidentiables on various issues and concerns that matter not only to Cebuanos but to the entire nation.

I was one of the ordinary members of the forum's audience who religiously listened to the presidentiables' answer to every question and views on various issues, who wrote down every assurance and promise, who noted the reasons why I should choose one of them. University students who sat beside me were doing the same.

Gilbert Teodoro stood out as the most eloquent. He put emphasis on national unity and reconciliation. Sen. Villar took pride in his "sipag at tiyaga" and dreamed of an entrepreneurial revolution. Bro. Villanueva claimed his independence from any business and political interest. Bro. Eddie sounded like preaching, although he was convincing enough as political figure. Sen. Gordon, although he had just wanted to parade his achievements, appeared too boastful. Sen. Aquino always inserted "my father" and "my mother" in his statements. Noynoy claimed his unstained records as public servant. Erap Estrada's line "I've been there" amused the audience. Erap was a comic relief!

All of them praised Cebu and made Cebuanos feel honored. Grateful for the praise, Cebuanos were more interested to hear each candidate’s vision and stand on issues.

Why should Cebuanos vote for him?

This was the first question asked of six presidential aspirants.

Sen. Noynoy Aquino was not able to answer the question in the 3-minute allotted time. His introduction and his recounts about the role of Cebu in the life of his mother, the late President Cory Aquino, was too long. Noynoy failed to mention his specific plans for Cebu but his assurance of good governance, transparency, and implementation of the existing laws are already good enough.

Like Noynoy, Erap went far by retelling the moments he was ousted. On the later part of the forum, Estrada put importance on food security. He said he would give priority to build farm to market roads. This made him admired by folks.

Considering that the first question was given before the forum started, each presidential aspirant should have prepared well by condensing his "talk" and focused only on his message. In the entire forum, it was very noticeable that each of them just want to "talk" their "talk".

Gearing Cebu's future was Gilbert Teodoro's straightforward answer to the question. He pointed to Cebu's infrastructure as crucial to sustaining Cebu's robust economic growth. In addition, he emphasized the need to ensure that Cebu will have sustainable power supply and adequate water supply. He was the only presidential candidate who mentioned power and water which proves his deep understanding of Cebu.

Like Gibo, Sen. Villar also identified infrastructure development as among what Cebu needs. He recognized Cebu as the center of entrepreneurial development.  Anchored on entrepreneurial revolution that he mentioned, he reminded the audience the important role of small entrepreneurs like the "balot" vendor, small fish vendor, and the like. Villar wanted the government to help those people. It was not specific, however, how or what help. Among the good vision presented by Villar was improvement of the lives of the people by developing business. Improving business climate in the country was also mentioned.

Bro. Eddie was not specific on his vision for the Cebuanos. He mentioned his ecclesiastical background as good element for his bid. The government with moral leadership that he wanted to offer was very pleasing to our ears. It seemed to me religious doctrine would be assimilated to government. I wished to hear Bro. Eddie that he would draw the line of demarcation between the affairs of the state and the affairs of God.

Sen. Gordon told us the good things about Cebu such as its strategic location, good ports, competent human resources. He had not mentioned specific plans for the province. All throughout, he reminded voters to vote for transformation and those with proven track record.

The six presidential aspirants were also asked on how they will stop the vicious cycle of corruption. The common denominator of their answers was "transparency." I agree because most cases of corruption were related to procurement. Having transparent government transactions would help. I was amused by Villar’s suggestion to televise government transactions.

On climate change the six all agreed that the country needs to prepare and should take measures to take care of what we have.

The forum turned dramatic when an 8-year old child asked the presidentiables about how they will address the problem of street children. The most convincing answer came from Gibo when he said that not only the street children but the conditions of the parents must be addressed.

Before they were asked to deliver their closing statements, it was clear to me who has the qualities to best lead this country on the next six years. I felt most of those who attended the forum had picked their choice also.

The forum was just the tip of an iceberg. I know that knowing about the candidates don’t end in forums. But in forums like the one in Cebu, was a significant activity to promote informed electorates.

I am not sure if the result of the mock election during the forum was influenced in some way by the way the six presidentiables answered the questions and presented their stands and thoughts on various issues. I hope so.

Of the 960 who voted, Gibo got 456. Noynoy got 296 while Villar got 88; Gordon got 45; Villanueva got 29; Erap got 19. Nicanor Perlas, who was not present during the forum, got 2 votes. There were 25 invalid votes.

Among the six candidates I heard, I was inspired most by Bro. Villanueva upon hearing him saying, “kung sino man ang mananalo, suportahan natin.”

I think this is the most difficult thing to do in every Philippine election. Isn’t it?

Photo by Liberty Joy Caballero. Used with her permission. Some Rights Reserved

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