Democracy in Debate

Today, the Filipino people look back at perhaps the single most defining phenomenon in our country's recent history-the first EDSA Revolution. It is with great pride that we, Filipinos, associate EDSA 1 with the spirit of what true democracy should be.

And as Talking Sides' very own way of paying tribute to the memory of that near-miraculous occurrence, Talking Sides features an extraordinaire program that exemplifies democracy in one of its purest form-Debate.

In a vibrant democracy, silence is not an option. By this article of faith, Debate with Mare at Pare of GMA News and Public Affairs scores unsurpassed success as it is already on its seventh year.

The country's first debate program draws strength as well from its near perfect pair of hosts-Mareng Winnie Monsod and Pareng Oscar Orbos.

Critics and award bodies have fittingly taken notice. Debate has already bagged five consecutive "Best Public Affairs Program" awards from the Philippine Movie Press Club, and a "Best Talk Show" trophy from the Catholic Mass Media Awards.

Last year, Debate was also given a Certificate of Excellence in the US Film and Video Festival in New York.

With a seven-year track record under its belt, Debate continues to draw the boldest and brightest of guests.

Unlike most other run-of-mill talk shows, Debate offers ordinary citizens a platform for candid and open conversation with politicians and expert sources. The discussions turn testy on occasion, as guests and jurors engage in verbal tussle over the most urgent and most important issues of the day.

Debate accords everyone a voice, and assigns judicious weight to the views of the prominent and the common folk, the better and the less educated, the powerful and the powerless.

Confrontational and highly opinionated, Debate knows and respects the importance of each opinion being voiced out. That, when faced with issues of great importance, the need to hear the opinion of a well-educated and revered person is as important as that of any other citizen willing to speak his mind.

A nation's journey to change and reform, after all, starts with full and vigorous debate on issues. And in every week's Debate episode, our nation takes that journey.

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ON A PERSONAL NOTE - Birthday greetings to my father, Jose Aquio, on his 53rd birthday. Happy Birthday Pa!

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