Independent candidates face off on TV

MANILA, Philippines - Former Puerto Princesa mayor Edward Hagedorn and another independent senatorial candidate Ricardo Penson went “campaigning” yesterday through ABS-CBN’s Harapan: 2013 series aired on ANC and Studio 23.

Former lawmaker Risa Hontiveros was also present during the TV program at ABS-CBN, an election partner of The STAR. Hagedorn said he is serious about running for senator to push through with his commitment to protect the environment.

He is supporting a law allocating a certain percentage on the operations of the Malampaya plant to the province of Palawan, he added.

Hagedorn went on a motorcade in Tondo, Manila, where Ms. Earth, Mother Earth Foundation and Ms. World beauty contestants joined him. 

“We started through a motorcade because as an independent candidate, we cannot go to far-flung places,” he said. “We started with this, so we can shake hands with many people in a  little time.” 

Hontiveros said she is running for senator again because she believes in the reform agenda of President Aquino. 

She wanted to pursue her advocacies in the Senate, she added.

Hontiveros said she will push for the passage of the Freedom of Information bill if she gets to the Senate.  She cannot understand why Malacañang was not able to muster enough political will for the bill, she added. Hontiveros denied her reported love affair with presidential adviser for political affairs Ronald Llamas posted on Twitter. “First of all, I deny it,” she said. “Secondly, there seems to be sexism in the question – that a woman’s political ideas, decisions and actions are anchored on the man she is with or not connected with. That is part of the sexism, patriarchy that we need to break in politics.”

Hontiveros said divorce must be discussed because the status quo is no longer acceptable.

“If the law recognizes the contracting of marriage, should it not recognize the dissolution of marriage?” she asked.

Penson vowed to work for the passage of a divorce law.

“Annulment is just another term for divorce,” he said. 

“People may hide behind some moral veil, but believe me, it’s one and the same. Divorce and annulment is one and the same.” 

Penson, younger brother of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chair Margie Juico, is also championing the anti-political dynasty campaign. 

Penson and Hontiveros said they were against the  use of Priority Development Assistance Fund. 

Hagedorn said he is in favor of retaining the pork barrel to help the local communities.

Hontiveros said she is in favor of abolishing the pork barrel system because it has become a source corruption and political patronage. 

“At the very least, since it is not abolished, the PDAF should be judiciously (administered) through a transparent way, based on the decision of the people, not the senator or congressman,” she said.

Hagedorn said it is difficult to campaign as a solo senatorial candidate.

He is banking on the support of local governments nationwide to provide mass support.  

Many people still do not know that he is running for senator, he added.

Hontiveros said she is working extra hard to make it to the winning circle. The fight is an uphill battle, she admitted.

Penson said he is a non-believer in surveys. He has to prove that he has the financial capability to launch a national campaign, he added.

He has launched a Facebook account to help propagate his concerns, Penson said.

Hagedorn told The STAR he wants to share his experience in the local level and implement them at the national level. 

The declaration of areas as calamity zones was initially the power of local governments until it was made into a national law, he added.

The Bantay Dagat program initially implemented in Palawan has been replicated nationwide, Hagedorn said.