PiliPinas Debates 2022

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PiliPinas Debates 2022
PiliPinas Debates 2022 logo.png
Created byCOMELEC
Presented byLuchi Cruz-Valdes (first presidential debate)
Ruth Cabal (vice presidential debate)
Ces Drilon (second presidential debate)
Country of originPhilippines
No. of episodes2
Production
Production locationsSofitel Hotel Tent, Pasay
Running timeTBA
Production companyImpact Hub Manila
Release
Original networkSyndication (undetermined original network; see broadcast)
Original releaseMarch 19, 2022 (2022-03-19) –
present
Chronology
Preceded byPiliPinas Debates 2016

PiliPinas Debates 2022: The Turning Point, or simply PiliPinas Debates 2022, is a televised debate series organized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), with the assistance of non-partisan voter education organization Vote Pilipinas[1][2] and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) as part of the debates for the 2022 Philippine presidential and vice presidential elections.

Unlike the debates in the 2016 elections, three presidential debates and two vice presidential debates will be held.[1] The commission, under the law, cannot mandate candidates to join debates though the commission does expect candidates to attend debates that the commission themselves organize, as it presents them with massive exposure, and that it is not counted on the limits of the airtime that they are allowed to advertise on broadcast networks.[3]

Background[]

On November 11, 2021, amid preparations for the 2022 elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed that they will organize debates for both candidates running for president and vice-president by January 2022. Unlike the debates from 2016, where they let media organizations organize the official debates, the commission will organize the debates themselves. They earlier planned to hold seven debates: three debates each per position and a primary debate, as a teaser for the upcoming debates series.[4] By January 2022, the COMELEC said they might forego with the teaser debates, as the number of candidates have been reduced to a more manageable number.[5]

On March 7, 2022, COMELEC signed a formal agreement with Vote Pilipinas, a non-partisan voter information group, to organize the debate series.[6][7][2] The commission shared the details of the debates after the signing.

COMELEC partnered with Impact Hub Manila for the production of PiliPinas Debates 2022.[8] Impact Hub Manila also organized the Vote Pilipinas campaign with COMELEC, which aimed to provide non-partisan comprehensive information on candidates.[9] The debate will be held at the Sofitel Hotel Tent in Pasay.[10][11]

Format[]

The commission stated that the debates will focus on the candidates' platforms and plans.[12] Each debate will have a set of predetermined topics, while the questions will come from sector groups.[6] While candidates will be informed of the topics to be addressed by the debates,[13] they will not be given questions in advance and are not allowed to bring prepared notes although they will be allowed to take notes on the other candidates during the debate.[14] The first three debates will be moderated by one person and last for three hours. Candidates will draw lots to determine who will answer the first question, while the following questions will be answered in by candidates in alphabetical order. Each will be given one minute and a half to speak.[1][12][15] Following the three debates will be two more back-to-back debates, which will have two moderators and be held in a town hall format. These debates will also have a post-debate roundtable.[7]

Candidates will be following safety protocols stated by Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF); the first debate in the series will have no audience participation due to the risks of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,[16] while the latter debates will feature both remote and in-person audiences.[17]

At least for the first presidential debate, venue will have ten podiums for the presidential debates regardless of actual attendance.

Summary[]

Office Date Moderator(s)
President March 19, 2022 Luchi Cruz-Valdes
Vice president March 20, 2022 Ruth Cabal
President April 3, 2022 Ces Drilon

March 19 presidential debate[]

Nine presidential candidates posed for posterity before the start of the first debate on March 19, 2022

The first debate of the series took place on Saturday, March 19, 2022. While no live audience was allowed to watch, seating was made available for the candidates' preparation teams. Luchi Cruz-Valdes moderated the debate.[14] All but one candidate, Bongbong Marcos, attended the debate.[18]

Topics addressed[]

The debate focused on two key issues, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery.[19] Each candidate was given 90 seconds to answer each question, while 30 seconds were allotted for other candidates to state their rebuttals.

Economic policies and employment[]

Candidates were asked what sector they will prioritize to revive the economy.[20] Ernesto Abella selected the agricultural sector, vowing to make the Philippines an "agricultural powerhouse." Leody de Guzman and Isko Moreno also selected agriculture; De Guzman pushed for the repeal of the Rice Tariffication Law, while Moreno vowed to pursue food security. Norberto Gonzales selected job creation as his focus, stating that he will push for cheaper access to capital for businesses. Jose Montemayor Jr. for his part vowed to employ "fiscal and monetary policy." Faisal Magondato did not pick a specific sector. Manny Pacquiao stated that he will focus on attracting investments, promoting exports, and smarter government spending. Panfilo Lacson and Leni Robredo picked the small and medium-sized enterprises sector, with Robredo promising to make a 100 billion-peso (US$1.9 billion) stimulus package for small businesses.

Regarding the unemployment of fresh graduates, the candidates proposed various solutions.[20] Abella stressed the need for a program for students affected by the pandemic. De Guzman promised to strengthen Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) centers. Moreno vowed to invest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and agriculture for state universities.[21] Gonzales commented that it would take some time to upskill workers, emphasizing the need to focus on self-generated jobs instead. Lacson suggested easing restrictions and pushed for the continuation of work-from-home setups. Magondato promised to provide capital to unemployed Filipinos for starting businesses. Montemayor denounced what he called "discrimination" against unvaccinated workers. Pacquiao vowed to focus on creating jobs. Robredo cited the low quality of education as the problem, vowing to raise the education budget to 6% of the country's GDP.

Amidst the rise of oil prices, almost all candidates agreed that the excise tax should be suspended, although they recognized that it would not be enough. Almost all candidates also agreed on the proposed 4-day work week, but with reservations.

Healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic[]

The presidential bets gave different proposals regarding the pandemic.[20] Mangondato stated that the government should lessen its dependence on importing treatments for the disease. Montemayor emphasized the need to test, trace, and treat. He later called out the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), incorrectly stating that it was composed of lawyers. He was quickly corrected by Moreno. Pacquiao said the people must learn to live with COVID. He also mentioned that international borders should be closed to prevent a surge. Robredo asserted the need to boost testing and vaccination to withstand another surge. Abella promised to form a "health security council" to consult all stakeholders while highlighting the need for free mass testing and eliminating vaccine hesitancy. De Guzman stated that the government should not make the pandemic a "business." He also stated that more healthcare workers should be hired. Moreno vowed to reform PhilHealth. Gonzales agreed with Robredo's statement, and added that he would also appeal to the United Nations to stop Western countries from turning the pandemic into a "business." Lacson promised to establish a virology center.

Infrastructure development[]

The candidates gave mixed reactions regarding the success of the Duterte administration's Build! Build! Build! (BBB) infrastructure program.[22] Abella praised the program and vowed to continue it. De Guzman criticized BBB, stating that the funds for the projects should have been used for the government's pandemic response instead. Moreno stated that the program was a success and also promised to continue the program, although he would focus on housing and hospitals. Gonzales said that he would examine if BBB was successful in connecting the country. Meanwhile, Lacson emphasized that there were numerous projects yet to be completed. He will continue the program but will prioritize public–private partnerships (PPPs) instead of official development assistance (ODA). Magondato answered vaguely, promising to focus on improving Filipinos' lives. Montemayor promised to honor infrastructure contracts. Pacquiao assured that he will continue BBB but will focus on housing and Mindanao projects. Robredo also vowed to continue the program, though PPPs will be prioritized.

Other topics[]

The candidates were asked about what they learned during their campaigns.[23] Moreno commented that he saw that development was focused in Metro Manila, vowing that if elected, he will focus on countryside development. Gonzales stated that he observed that the country's political system is problematic, hindering development. Lacson spoke of the disconnect that he observed in the allocation of resources between the national and local governments. Magondato stated that he learned that to empower LGUs, there is a need to shift to federalism. Montemayor agreed with him and praised the Supreme Court for the Mandanas ruling. Pacquiao said his desire to fight corruption was strengthened by his exposure to poverty. Robredo said that even before the campaign period, she immersed herself in many communities and listened to their concerns. According to her, these experiences shaped her policies and projects as a congresswoman and vice president.

After De Guzman brought up the issue of funding for aid, Moreno brought up the 203 billion-peso (US$3.8 billion) tax liabilities of the Marcos family. Moreno, Robredo, Lacson, and de Guzman called on the heirs of the elder Marcos to pay the estate and income taxes owed to the state.[24]

All candidates denounced fake news and disinformation and asserted that social media to be controlled and held accountable. Robredo also mentioned that she was the number one victim of fake news, while Marcos was the number one beneficiary of disinformation.[25]

Closing statements[]

Abella stressed the need for the government to listen to its citizens. De Guzman called for changing the government's system and warned that nothing will change if the next president was rich, supported by the rich, or part of a political dynasty.[26] Gonzales appealed to voters to make the right decision.[27] Lacson cited his stint as the Chief of the Philippine National Police and pointed out that he is the only candidate who risked his life for the country.[28] Magondato stated that he offers a change for the country's "rotten system."[29] Montemayor vowed "Godly leadership" and peace and also promised to abolish the IATF and mandatory vaccination.[30][31] Moreno highlighted his life experiences and called himself a "crisis manager" that the country needs.[32] Pacquiao recalled his origins as a person from poverty and declared that he was trustworthy and honest.[33] Robredo emphasized the need for leaders to be present in difficult situations and asserted that she is the only one who has been present for Filipinos during the pandemic and the typhoon season.[34]

Reception[]

Commissioner George Garcia lauded the debate, stating that it was "not perfect, but highly successful."[35] He also praised the nine candidates who attended, calling them the "magnificent nine." Marcos was criticized for skipping the debate.[36]

Broadcast[]

All domestic television and radio broadcasters have committed to air PiliPinas Debates 2022. GMA Network, on their part, will broadcast the debate on DepEd TV. COMELEC will also stream the debate on its social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.[37]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c Patinio, Ferdinand (March 5, 2022). "1st presidential debate will run for 3 hrs: Comelec". www.pna.gov.ph. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "COMELEC to Formalize Agreement to Stage Pilipinas Debates 2022" (PDF) (Press release). Intramuros, Manila: Commission on Elections (Philippines). March 5, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  3. ^ Mendoza, John Eric (January 18, 2022). "Comelec is confident candidates will join debates, says spox". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  4. ^ Patinio, Ferdinand (November 11, 2021). "Comelec eyes start of nat'l poll debates by January 2022". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved November 24, 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ Medenilla, Samuel P. (January 4, 2022). "Comelec may scrap 'teaser' debates for May elections". BusinessMirror. Retrieved January 21, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Ramos, Marlon (March 6, 2022). "Comelec bares debate details". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Ramirez, Robertzon. "Presidential, Vice Presidential debates to feature unique component – Comelec". Philstar.com. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  8. ^ "Comelec to stage 3 presidential, 2 VP debates for Halalan 2022". ABS-CBN News. March 7, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  9. ^ "Comelec, Impact Hub Manila to launch info campaign on candidates". BusinessWorld. February 16, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  10. ^ "WATCH: What does the Comelec debate venue look like?". Rappler. March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  11. ^ "#Halalan2022: Comelec all set for first presidential debate". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  12. ^ a b "Comelec debates will be fair, focus on candidates' platforms, says spokesman". ABS-CBN News. March 3, 2022.
  13. ^ Sarao, Zacarian (March 1, 2022). "Comelec will inform candidates of debate topics". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  14. ^ a b "COMELEC, all set na para sa gagawing Pilipinas Debates 2022". RMN Networks (in Filipino and English). Radyo Manila. March 18, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  15. ^ "Experts weigh in on Comelec debate rules". CNN Philippines. February 25, 2022. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  16. ^ "Comelec eyes 3 in-person debates for presidential, VP bets for 2022 polls". CNN Philippines. October 28, 2021.
  17. ^ Patinio, Ferdinand (March 5, 2022). "1st presidential debate will run for 3 hrs: Comelec". www.pna.gov.ph. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
  18. ^ Patinio, Ferdinand (March 19, 2022). "9 presidential bets show up for Comelec debate". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  19. ^ Depasupil, William (March 19, 2022). "9 presidential bets tackle pandemic, economy in first Comelec debate". The Manila Times. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  20. ^ a b c "Comelec's PiliPinas Presidential Debates 2022 proper". The Philippine Star. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  21. ^ "Moreno vows STEM, agriculture investment to make Filipinos competitive". The Philippine Star. March 21, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  22. ^ "Presidential hopefuls weigh in on Duterte's 'Build, Build, Build'". CNN Philippines. March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  23. ^ Lalu, Gabriel Pabico Lalu (March 20, 2022). "Presidential bets see widespread poverty while touring PH". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  24. ^ Mercado, Neil Arwin (2022-03-16). "Marcos Jr. claims 'fake news involved' in ill-gotten wealth, estate tax cases". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  25. ^ Casilao, Joahnna Lei; Panti, Llanesca (March 19, 2022). "Robredo: I'm top target, Marcos top beneficiary of fake news". GMA News Online. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  26. ^ "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Leody De Guzman's closing statement". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  27. ^ "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Norberto Gonzales' closing statement". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  28. ^ "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Ping Lacson's closing statement". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  29. ^ "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Faisal Mangondato's closing statement". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  30. ^ "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Jose Montemayor's closing statement". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  31. ^ Reyes, Rizal Raoul (March 20, 2022). "Montemayor wants IATF abolished, says vaxx policies impede work resumption". BusinessMirror. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  32. ^ "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Isko Moreno's closing statement". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  33. ^ "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Manny Pacquiao's closing statement". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  34. ^ "PiliPinas Debates 2022: Leni Robredo's closing statement". ABS-CBN News. March 19, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  35. ^ "Garcia on 1st presidential debate: 'Not perfect but highly successful'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  36. ^ "Some Mindanaoans jeer at Marcos for skipping Comelec debate". RAPPLER. 2022-03-20. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  37. ^ "Comelec: All channels to air Pilipinas Debates 2022". Manila Bulletin. March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.

External links[]

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