The Search for the Next President – Countdown to 2010 (part 2)

The second ANC Presidential Forum was held last night at the UP Diliman School of Economics.  It was attended by former Pres. Estrada, Sen. Loren Legarda, Makati Mayor Binay and Bayani Fernando.  It was not surprising that Noli de Castro was again a no-show.  Ping Lacson had previously backed off from the race. Compared to the first batch of the presidential wannabees, I don’t like this batch. Only Legarda and Binay came prepared to answer those seemingly simple but profound questions posted by the audience.  Only Binay showed concrete plans on what he will do if he is elected.

And why was Estrada so disrespectful of the time limit, always making jokes at some serious questions which need concrete answers.  His manner of speaking is somewhat slurred, so hard to understand.  Disrespect for the rule of law even on such a simple forum like this is a little bit disgusting .  It’s the same with Fernando, both of them can’t communicate. I believe that first and foremost, you have to be a good communicator to be an effective leader.

Legarda, as always is so articulate about her plans and key legislation if ever she is elected President.  She will focus on good governance, sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, environment and cultural enrichment of the Filipinos.  Agriculture is the key towards providing jobs.  Her key legislation is the anti-violence against women and children act.  “Walang atrasan ang paglilingkod sa ating bansa”‘. Her declared worth for 2008 is 45.59M.

Binay is willing to slide down to being a vice-president if need be.  He said that a vice-president must be qualified to be a president with kakayahan at karanasan. His advocacy is to have a strong local government, decentralization is important and more power must be given to the local government.  He is the president of the National Boy Scouts of the Philippines.  He has faced graft charges for supposedly hiring ghost employees at the Makati City Hall and earning cuts from the contracts. He has a net worth of about 43.93M (daw).  “Aasenso ang bansa sa tama at dapat na pamamahala”.

Fernando said that for change to happen, order must be put first. You mean, paint the town pink and blue?  He is definitely out in my list.

Some questions asked were, What qualities do they have to gain the youth vote?  And their answers to this question are interesting.  Do you or do you not support the reproductive health bill? And here are their answers:

Fernando – “follow the precepts of my church. follow the natural way of
limiting the number of children to affordable level”  Huh?
Binay – “give them freedom of choice”
Legarda – she is against any form of abortion but she is for informed choice,do everything to bring down the mortality rate of women giving birth.
Estrada – ditto to Binay and Legarda’s answers

And here is another thought-provoking question.  Would you support any investigation of the Arroyo family for corruption allegation?

Binay – she has to answer to everything
Legarda –  kung may ebidensya ay mag-file ng kaso and must be done expeditiously.
Erap – nobody is above the law. He has forgiven the Arroyo family.

Sorry guys, I simply didn’t understand what Fernando answered.  Given the power to reallocate funds, they were asked where they will put it and why. Estrada said that the basic needs of the people must come first. Legarda answered that she will focus on agriculture, education and health.  Binay wants to put it on education, health and other social services. Fernando said that he will focus on hanapbuhay (as to what kind, he didn’t elaborate), education and other social services.

And the plum goes to Loren Legarda as the most likely candidate to succeed (just my opinion though).  Erap provided the entertainment, he is truly capable of making you laugh but choosing the right person to lead us is no laughing matter.

Catch the replay at Studio 23 tonight at 6pm and on Sunday at ABS CBN at 10:15pm.

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