Segments were split between their 6-year plans, Q&As, KBP Town Hall, and the candidate’s closing statements.
On February 4, five presidential hopefuls gathered in a forum by Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in partnership with CNN Philippines.
KBP invited labor leader Leody De Guzman, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Sen. Ping Lacson, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Sen. Manny Paquiao, and VP Leni Robredo—all accepted except for Marcos due to “conflict of schedule,”
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In the forum, the candidates share their six-year plans for the nation, Q&As from a journalists panel, and stated why they think they’re most fit to be the Philippines’ next president.
While we’re still in a pandemic, the aspirants attended through Zoom, while moderators Rico Hizon, Karen Davila, and panelists from Bombo Radyo, TV5, One News, and Far East Broadcasting Company were on CNN Philippines’ set.
During the almost 3 hour broadcast, the presidentiables’ answers were time constricted. However, despite five minutes to share their plans and only one minute to answer questions based on their platforms, some statements stood out.
De Guzman on New People’s Army (NPA) demands
When asked about his plan to end conflicts with the communist armed group NPA, De Guzman says he has seen their demands and thinks they’re justifiable, given land reform hasn’t been executed by any president.
Behind the scenes, while attending #KBPForum pic.twitter.com/ikUV013a6f
— Ka Leody de Guzman (@LeodyManggagawa) February 4, 2022
The labor leader says he’s read all the NPA’s requirements in a document and believes they’re holding arms because of “historical problem[s].” According to the 62-year-old, if addressed, the NPA will “run out of reasons” to hold arms.
“In addition, all presidents and people believe that our country experiences injustices, and when you are wealthy, you are safe. If you are poor like Grandpa Narding, you are locked up. The people will not stop fighting and taking up arms as long as there is injustice against them,” de Guzman explained in Filipino.
Lacson on setting the tone of his presidency if elected
Bombo Radyo’s Elmar Acol listed past presidents’ first Executive Orders (EO), including Fidel V. Ramos first tackled the energy crisis, and Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino created the Philippine Truth Commission against corruption.
In his first days in office, Acol asks Lacson what he’ll do to “hit the ground running.”
The former PNP Chief says he will “wither” his rights from the Bank Secrecy Act and encourage all government officials and employees to do the same. “I cannot mandate it, but I will encourage them because these are individual rights. But I’m going to set the tone of my presidency to establish a clean government—leadership by example, ang tawag namin dun,”
Moreno on communication amid natural disasters
After experiencing Supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013, the country was still ill-prepared for Supertyphoon Odette. In line with this, the Manila Mayor was asked how he would be different from other presidents in equipping the country for natural calamities.
“Well, again, we must create redundancy in our communication. We have copper, land-based, and fiber optics. At the same time, from time to time, I think we can access satellites,” Moreno responded. He cited Elon Musk’s low orbital communication, namely Starlink, as technology the country “must acquire.”
“Because during disaster time, communication is the key,” the 47-year old continues. Secondly, Moreno says that infrastructure, whether homes or buildings, should be built thoughtfully, knowing that typhoons yearly hit the country.
He adds that the government should concentrate on geographic locations that frequently experience natural disasters. “[Thirdly], we must acquire technology through data analytics. Para we should be ahead of anything na mangyayari sa mga calamidead,” Moreno concluded.
Pacquiao on retrieving ill-gotten wealth
On the topic of the country’s money stolen by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies, the Senator says he will strengthen the Presidential Commission on Good Government to help recover the ill-gotten wealth.
The 43 year old adds that if one had the choice to steal, they have the choice to return what was taken. “Palalakasin po natin ang PCGG at kaliangan anf para sa gobyerno, sa gobyerno,” Pacquiao said. “Kung yan ang desisyon ng Supreme Court, may desisyon na many nagnakaw ka, ibalik mo. Kasi naghihirap ang bansa natin dahil sa magnanakaw sa gobyerno.”
Robredo on the full disclosure bill
In 2013, Robredo filed a full disclosure bill. It seeks to mandate government agencies to disclose financial transactions, budget allocations, and public interest documents. However, it was not passed despite the Liberal Party being in congress.
In line with this, she was asked, “how can you make it different now from pushing transparency, push disclosure, FOI (Freedom of Information), all these bills close to your heart but not passed. What will make it different now?”
In response, the 56-year-old said that it would be one of her “ugent” certifications if elected. “Ang pinaka una ay to require full disclosure sa lahat ng government offices and instrumentalities kahit wala pang batas,” Robredo says. “Kasi kahit wala pang batas pwede akong gumawa ng Executive Order, para meron ng ganon na demand from all government offices.”
But the Vice President says she will still push for solidifying the bill as a law.“Kasi kahit hindi na ako and pangulo, tuloy-tuloy and institutionalized yung requirement na yon,” she continues.
