Substance, ignored issues should be last debate's focus

MANILA, Philippines – Will the last debate be the one where the candidates will fully substantiate their plans?

For now, no one can be sure, but Rappler’s pool of experts and advocates certainly hope so.

Before the 3rd presidential debate held in Dagupan City, Pangasinan experts and advocates from different sectors shared their hopes online.

Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) assistant professor Badz Calamba said he was looking for “more concrete platforms” and “not abstracts.”

Expecting for more concrete platforms. Not abstracts! #PilipinasDebates2016 #PHVote
— Badz A. Calamba (@SeptrinJohnC) April 24, 2016

I hope that this debate will substantially inform the Filipino people about the right choices for President #PiliPinasDebates2016 #PHVote
— Rae Emmanuel (@raefication) April 24, 2016

We expect candidates to give clear, concrete & realistic political agenda. Voters must examine their promises. #PHVote #PiliPinasDebates2016
— mikelabayandoy (@mikelabayandoy) April 24, 2016

Save Philippine Seas head Anna Oposa said seeing strong platforms will turn the tide for undecided voters.

Maybe the undecided people (like me) will have a decision after today’s #PiliPinasDebates2016. Hopefully.
— Anna Oposa (@annaoposa) April 24, 2016

In terms of specific platforms, however, there are several issues which weigh heavily for the advocates.

Traffic, for example, is a key issue for climate advocate and former climate negotiator Yeb Saño.

Who among the presidentiables can convince us that she/he can solve our traffic woes? #PiliPinasDebates2016
— Yeb Saño (@YebSano) April 24, 2016

Traffic and public transportation are included in the agenda for the debate.

But he, like others concerned with the environment, challenged the candidates to present a platform for the environment.

We call on our presidentiables to put the environment on top of their agenda. #PiliPinasDebates2016 #BerdeKaBa pic.twitter.com/ejglogT8Kp
— Yeb Saño (@YebSano) April 24, 2016

Hi sir Yeb! “What are your specific strategies for our country to have a livable environment?” #PiliPinasDebate2016 https://t.co/CP8Uu7kpyt
— Dazzle Labapis (@razoldazol) April 24, 2016

Although the environment and climate change have been discussed in the past, climate advocates were dismayed that it turned into a catfight during the Cebu debate.

Calamba also included programs for the displaced Lumad, who have been living as evacuees because of conflict in their lands.

I still want to hear their concrete plans on the displaced Lumads like in Mindanao #PilipinasDebates2016 #PhVote
— Badz A. Calamba (@SeptrinJohnC) April 24, 2016

This was a topic that the crowd at the Cagayan de Oro debate wanted to hear but was left out in the discussion. (READ: Cagayan de Oro debate crowd: Where are our issues?)

He also included poverty in his list of priorities.

they must ring the discussion on poverty to concrete and clear programs. #PiliPinasDebates2016 #PHVote https://t.co/hPeC8zfvZU
— Badz A. Calamba (@SeptrinJohnC) April 24, 2016

The church-based organization Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, however, is still waiting for agriculture to be included in the agenda.

The crowd at the Cagayan de Oro debate was also dismayed that this was not discussed.

The last leg of the debate will feature questions from sectoral groups and will include the following topics: