IN a subtle jab at former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Manila Mayor and Aksyon Demokratiko standard bearer Isko Moreno yesterday urged the public not to vote for presidential aspirants who shun debates, saying they are not serious applicants for the post.
In a press briefing in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental where he and his running mate, Willie Ong, and the senatorial candidates of Aksyon Demokratiko are campaigning, Moreno said debates are not just about presenting the candidates’ platforms but, more importantly, an outlet for the people to see the real person behind the candidate.
He said he has always likened debate viewers to human resources officers who examine candidates as job seekers for the most important position in the country.
“Hindi ko iboboto. Bakit ko iha-hire ang isang bagay na hindi naman nag-aapply. Hindi naman siya nag-a-apply. Pwede mo bang basahin mo na lang ‘yong papel? Di mo ba sya tatanungin, totoo ba itong sinabi mo, na ito ang skills mo? Kung paano mo napatunayan, sabi mo ito ang karanasan mo. Paano kita iha-hire sa trabaho,” Moreno told reporters when asked if he would vote for candidates who shun pre-election debates.
“If I would be asked, I would not vote for that kind of candidate. If I am the voter, I would not vote you,” he added.
The Manila mayor said debate is just another way for the public to know their candidate while candidate is out of his or her comfort zone and has to answer different questions.
Moreno said he would not change his ways when he participates in the debates organized by the Commission on Elections starting this Saturday, March 19.
“Siguro konting review lang ng mga bagay-bagay. Other than that, I’ll be myself the way you are seeing me right now, and the people seeing me. Wala naman kayo halos makikitang kakaiba,” he said.
“So, I’ll present myself as an applicant at ang kaharap ko ay HR department, which is the Filipino people. Sila ngayon ang magha-hire,” added Moreno.
Of the nine presidential candidates, only Marcos will not attend the Comelec-organized debate.
Marcos had previously been criticized for declining to participate in presidential debates and fora attended by his fellow presidential bets.
