‘…we need more occasions during which those who are proposing themselves for national office (yes, even the senatoriables) should be invited to a series of fora where they will be asked to talk about themselves, why they are running, and why they deserve our vote.’
THE official period for campaigning for national office — specifically for the positions of President, Vice President and 12 Senators — will begin shortly. And we expect a slew of organizations setting up discussions with or even interviews of the leading candidates, especially for the Presidency. I had the privilege of hosting one for the vice presidential candidates in 2016, and the occasion can be an enlightening one if you want to learn more about what the candidates believe in and where they stand on issues.
Now that I remember it, then-vice presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not attend our event, which was held at the Malcolm Theater of the UP College of Law.
Leni Robredo and Chiz Escudero did attend.
The Jessica and Boy interviews — basically one-on-ones because the candidates weren’t given a chance to directly confront each other — have undeniably whet the appetites of a segment of the voting population for more. Not necessarily more of the same as the lack of direct interaction between the candidates had both its upside and its downside. But definitely, we need more occasions during which those who are proposing themselves for national office (yes, even the senatoriables) should be invited to a series of fora where they will be asked to talk about themselves, why they are running, and why they deserve our vote.
This can be a key comment in a campaign, as Senator Edward M. Kennedy found out in 1980. Asked why he was challenging his party mate and incumbent US President Jimmy Carter for the nomination of the Democratic Party, the last of the Kennedy brothers could not provide a sensible answer. As he stumbled, so did his challenge to Carter (who eventually lost to Ronald Reagan anyway).
Then again maybe that’s true in the United States but not here?
Were I to be given a chance to host another get together of candidates my line of questioning would be simple. And I don’t mind revealing them here.
I would start with giving the candidates a copy of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and my first question would be, “Swear to God, have you read this document at least one from Preamble to the Transitory Provisions?” I expect most if not all to answer me truthfully.
Then I will ask, what is your understanding of these words: “The Philippines is a Democratic and Republican state.” Maybe they deserve from 2-5 minutes to answer that.
Second question: How will you bring to life the words “sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them?” Again another 2-5 minutes to answer that.
“What does Rule of Law mean to you?” Would be my third question. Maybe 2-3 minutes for this.
“Do you believe representative democracy works for the Philippines? Why or why not?” Good for another 2-5 minutes.
And finally, “what is the value of dissent in your concept of democracy?” for another 2-5 minutes and maybe I’m done. Except perhaps for one follow up question depending on the initial answers.
To close, I figure I’ll also ask all of them what their favorite quote is from a political theorist. Then again I might exempt Mayor Isko, who made it clear in the Jessica interview that he embraces Edmund Burke.
Or at least one — and only one — quote from Edmund Burke.
Speaking of the Philippine presidency which the Mayor seeks, perhaps this would have been a more appropriate one from Burke: “The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.”
