MANILA, Philippines – Vice presidential candidates finally got their share of the political limelight as they made their pitch for their brand of leadership at the only Commission on Elections (Comelec)-organized Pilipinas 2016 debate for the bets held at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Sunday, April 10.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, offered himself as a fresh choice in a field where political dynasties are rife, although he comes from a political family himself.
"Panay na lang Marcos, Cojuangco o Aquino? Wala na bang iba? Paano po kayo? (Will it always be Marcos, Cojuangco, or Aquino? Is there nobody else? What about you)?" he told the audience in the debate hall.
"Kailangan po nating mamili: Interes ng mamamayan o interes ng mayayaman? Ang politika is about [them] pero ang election po is about you. Kayo po ang sentro," Cayetano said.
(We have to choose: The interest of the people or the interest of the rich? The politics is about them but the elections is about you. You are at the center.)
Experience
Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, one of the poll front-runners, said he will "never steal" if elected in May.
"Gigising at papasok ako nang maaga, uunahin ang interest ng nakakarami," Escudero said, adding, "Pangako ko po na 'di ako magnanakaw, 'di ako pinalaki ng magulang na magnanakaw."
(I will wake up early to go to work, and I will prioritize the interest of the majority. I promise not to steal; I was not raised to be a thief.)
Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan II, running mate of Vice President Jejomar Binay, said he will draw his leadership values as vice president from his different stints in public service.
"I will bring in to the vice presidency the courage of my convictions and the audacity and make things happen. I've been a soldier for 17 years, rebel for 7 years, senator 18 years. I will work and continue to work for unity, peace and prosperity, and security," Honasan said.
Another poll front runner, Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr also boasted of his service in different sectors of the government in his opening speech.
"Dalawampung taon na po akong naninilbihan. Nagsimula ako sa local kung saan kailangan humarap ang pamahalaan sa taumbayan (I've been in public service for 20 years. I started in local [government] where I engaged directly with the people)," Marcos said.
"Aside from being a legislator, I was also experienced being in the executive who implements the programs and solves the problem," the former Ilocos Norte governor said in Filipino.
Collaborative leadership, independence
Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo of the ruling Liberal Party promised collaborative governance.
"Ang Robredo vice presidency ay magiging isang koro hindi solo. Hindi sinosolo ang kapangyarihan, lahat ng boses papakinggan (A Robredo vice president will be a chorus, not solo. Power will not be in one person only; all voices will be heard)," she said.
Robredo described herself as a neophyte in politics, but she has worked with the grassroots community as a pro bono lawyer.
"Di lang ako tagapagtanggol ng kababaihan boses nila ang alam ko, boses nila ang gumigising sa akin araw-araw. Ngayon po boses niyo na lahat ang aking pinapakinggan," said Robredo.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, for his part, stressed how he made a name in government all by himself.
"Wala po akong kamag-anak na pulitiko na gumawa ng aking pangalan, Ako po ay nanilbihan bilang sundalo sa ating bayan (I have no relatives in politics who made my name. I served the country as a soldier)," said Trillanes, who gained prominence for leading ouster plots against then President Gloria Macapagal Arroto.
He also boasted his participation in the probe against the anomalous properties of Vice President Jejomar Binay. "Pinamunuan ko rin ang imbestigasyon na nag-expose sa tiwali sa gobyerno (I led investigations that exposed corruption in government.)"
He also promised: "Tututukan ko at lulutasin ang problema natin sa peace and order at ang lumalaganap na problema sa droga (I will focus and solve our problems in peace and order and the worsening drug problem)." – Rappler.com