VP debate better than presidential – viewers

MANILA, Philippines – Many viewers of the vice presidential debate held on Sunday, April 10, at the University of Santo Tomas said it was way better than the presidential debates – both in terms of substance and engagement.

Enrico La Viña, Researcher for Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, said overall the “debate format was effective”, and it was “the best debate (they have) seen so far.”

He explained that the format allowed candidates to “call out one another” making it more engaging, an observation shared by other netizens.

No holds barred buong timeline ko sa VP candidates debate.

— Bianca Gonzalez (@iamsuperbianca) April 10, 2016

That was an intense but nonetheless good debate, I’m impressed on the numbers of issues discussed. #PHVote #PiliPinasDebates2016

— novie arren barretto (@Kenobishinobi) April 10, 2016

This was a departure from the first debate where there was not much engagement between the candidates, and the second where candidates could engage, but with limitations.

Other netizens echoed the same assessment. 

It’s a satisfying debate. Actually better than the 2nd Pres Debate. #PHVote

— Badz A. Calamba (@SeptrinJohnC) April 10, 2016

In many ways, they are a lot better than the presidential candidates we have. #PHVote #PiliPinasDebates2016

— Rae Emmanuel (@raefication) April 10, 2016 

After this debate, the presidential candidates are the ones that look like the spare (not flat) tires. #PHVote #PiliPinasDebate2016

— Happy Feraren (@HappyFeraren) April 10, 2016

The debate covered the following:

• Corruption
• Poverty
• Political dynasties
• Human rights
• Traffic and other urban issues
• Internet connectivity
• Foreign policy
• The issue of the VP as a “spare tire”

Missed issues

However,  many viewers were dissatisfied at how some issues were left out.

Developmental studies student Novie Arren Barretto, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) assistant professor Badz Calamba, Save Philippine Seas head Anna Oposa, and development worker Emil Tapnio were disappointed that education, health, climate change, and other issues were not discussed.

It’s still frustrating not to hear about climate change and agriculture, education, and the struggles of the indigenous peoples.. #PHVote

— Badz A. Calamba (@SeptrinJohnC) April 10, 2016

talagang nagtapos na walang diskusyon tungkol sa edukasyon at kalusugan #PHVote #PiliPinasDebates2016

— novie arren barretto (@Kenobishinobi) April 10, 2016

Excited pa naman akong mag fact check nung sinabi climate change na yung next topic. Where are the envi issues  #biased #diparinover

— Anna Oposa (@annaoposa) April 10, 2016

There was not a lack of time to not discuss education but a lack of priority. #PHVote

— Badz A. Calamba (@SeptrinJohnC) April 10, 2016

talagang nagtapos na walang diskusyon tungkol sa edukasyon at kalusugan #PHVote #PiliPinasDebates2016

— novie arren barretto (@Kenobishinobi) April 10, 2016

My only problem with this Vice Presidential #PiliPinasDebate2016 is that it didn’t talk about #Education. #PHvote

— Emil Tapnio (@EmilTapnio) April 10, 2016

‘Yes or no’ a sham

Meanwhile, many viewers said the yes or no questions were a “a sham”.

Vapid Yes or No question by @cnnphilippines. #KuwentuhangBayan #PiliPinasDebates2016

— Kuwentuhang Bayan (@kb_slb) April 10, 2016

“Yes or No” format, if unaccompanied by short explanation, a disservice. #PiliPinasDebate2016 #KuwentuhangBayan

— Kuwentuhang Bayan (@kb_slb) April 10, 2016

Are @cnnphilippines‘s YES/NO questions too easy? #PiliPinasDebate2016 #PiliPinas2016 #PHVote

— Micheline Mich Rama (@MichAllTogether) April 10, 2016

Oposa agreed, saying that it was the weakness of the debate.

The weakness of the #PiliPinasDebates2016 for me was the yes-no qs on climate change and corruption. Otherwise, it was really good. #PHVote

— Anna Oposa (@annaoposa) April 10, 2016

Regardless, the vice presidential candidates sounded more presidential than the standard-bearers, Oposa suggested.

I’m a little worried that our VP candidates generally make more sense than our presidential candidates. #PiliPinasDebates2016 #PHVote

— Anna Oposa (@annaoposa) April 10, 2016

What did you think of the debate? What would you do differently? Write about it on X! – Rappler.com