CBCP wants presidential bets to tackle pressing issues

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential candidates should not only lay down their platform but also answer issues during debates, Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Public Affairs Committee, said yesterday.

“I propose that it shouldn’t be a mere freewheeling presentation of their platforms that will simply be rebutted by the others,” Secillano said.

He said the debates should focus on the pressing issues confronting the country, such as their stand on anti-political dynasty and freedom of information bills, the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, Disbursement Acceleration Program and Priority Development Assistance Fund, unemployment, the K to 12 program and illegal drugs. 

The CBCP official said debates give voters an opportunity to assess the candidates and help them make informed choices.

He said the voters should also be vigilant and discerning on the qualities of the country’s next set of leaders.

“Debates, I think, will only show us the more competent and the more prepared candidate in addressing our nation’s problems. Qualities such as honesty, integrity and credibility are values that are hardly seen in debates,” Secillano said. 

Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) chairperson Henrietta de Villa said she supports the initiative of the Commission on Elections to hold presidential debates.

De Villa said such debates should include lesser-known candidates, and other groups like the PPCRV, academe and business.