FINALLY, in 2016, the Philippine national election campaign came into the 21st century, thanks to the four debates sponsored by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and various news outlets.
Beginning on February 21st in Cagayan de Oro, the public spent over seven hours watching the presidential candidates show themselves, their ideas and the contrast with their opponents. Vice-presidential candidates—for the first time—took the center stage for over two hours.
Looking back on this series of events, it was definitely a work in progress for the Comelec, the press and media, and for the candidates. Nothing like this had been done in the Philippines before. Of course, there had been forums in the past, but this was the first time that the presentation of the candidates was made through a formal debate-style structure—and it showed.
The criticisms of the way the candidates conducted themselves and the way the moderators handled the discussions are certainly valid. But this was uncharted territory for all involved.
At times, it was a street brawl. At other times, the questions and answers were boring, giving little insight into the candidates and their ideas. We, of course, would like to think that the CNN Philippines and the BusinessMirror vice-presidential debate raised the standard of professionalism. However, it was a learning process for everyone, and each debate added experience and knowledge to the process.
No one can legitimately complain that the final presidential debate, held at the University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City, illustrated how far both the debate organizers and the candidates had progressed in the past two months. Bear in mind that the core issues for discussion never changed, and the objective was to find a way to let the candidates elaborate on their ideas. That is not easy without sounding repetitive, both in asking and answering the questions.
The most important result of these debates is that it has changed Philippine politics. That is not an overstatement. Used to speaking before a sea of friendly faces, now candidates have to deal with their supporters being only a minority in the audience. Used to saying whatever they want, the candidates now face immediate challenges to their ideas from the moderators and panelists, apart from the other hopefuls.
The people also gained much from this experience. Access to the debates was available to everyone through a variety of outlets, including television, radio and Internet. There was no way for the candidates to run and hide no matter how uncomfortable they became. The public saw every drop of sweat, every scowl and every smile.
Political pundits look back at the first nationally televised debate in the US between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, saying that it influenced the outcome. Kennedy looked fresh and full of vitality; Nixon came off as dark and sinister. Those that listened on radio did not have that impression.
It is too early to say that the debates here will have that impact. But one thing is sure: Philippine politics has changed for the better.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano
1 comment
100% agree.