One candidate speaking in front of the audience at a highschool auditorium in Ayala, Alabang.
I had rarely stepped into an education institution since I graduated from college four years ago. But yesterday I went to De La Salle Zobel, home of the junior archers, when it hosted “Kilalanin”, a presidential forum. Four candidates vying for the top Philippine post in the 2010 elections were present: Noynoy Aquino, Richard Gordon, Gilbert Teodoro and Manny Villar. News anchor Mike Enriquez moderated the 3-hour event.
Full audio of the forum was posted by its media partner here and below are four media reports about it.
- 4 presidentiables face off at Alabang forum (video)
- Frontrunners Aquino and Villar trade barbs on ads, records
- Presidential campaign gets more pointed
- LP: Survey timed with Villar ads
What’s interesting about recent forums like this is that candidates now use relatively less motherhood statements. There are less of these broad yet good sounding phrases like the ones used by Estrada during the 1998 campaign. Again, they’re still there but spoken less and I’m assuming exaggerated misuse of this deceptive element of political prose would be left on staged rallies.
The stage of Kilalanin has none of the flashy effects and sometimes phony grandiose employed by TV forums. There were some technical troubles but the moderator’s purposive candidness made up for lapses in organisation. There were no timers which made the responses from the candidates casual. Except to one boorish shout that was heard throughout the auditorium in the middle of the event, the audience was participative and civil.
While the presence of fundamental character questions means that our country is still a long way from focusing on platformed governance and we’re still searching a leader of character, with a forum like this, we had a step (however small) forward.
We should vote wisely and look for the candidate that has done many things for the country either from legislative field, executive field, or any forms of public service. Action speaks louder than voice!
God bless Philippines!
I agree with Crazyhorse. Poll survey standings should not only be the basis for chosing a presidentiable.
@Crazyhorse… I agree.
@Ramilarc… Poll standings should never be the basis for voting a candidate.
Choose candidates who are qualified and have proven themselves to be trustworthy.For those who are already eligible to vote, especially the youth, vote wisely!The future of our country lies on us…
crowd’s favorite is Dick Gordon.. and his very intellectual way of answering the questions. The way he answered are just glimpse of how well experienced he is. Go for Gordon!!!
no one is more competent than Gordon himself!! Go Gordon….youre very deserving to be the next president of this country. Bring your ideals on top! good thing that we still have this person nowadays….
I conclude to vote the right candidate for Presidency who had proven his deeds that he can be the most responsible leader based on his accomplishments for our country. A candidate who had done lots of useful projects and programs and will do more as he became the next President. Manny Villar shown us the real character of being a leader and he deserves the position.