In the aftermath of the first leg of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) presidential debate, what do the candidates have to say about how they fared?
Bea Cupin reports.
It’s the first presidential debate of its scale in more than 20 years, the first to be held outside of Metro Manila. And the first time all 5 presidential candidates for the 2016 elections share a stage.
Candidates made sure to stick to their messages, emphasizing round after round what they perceive to be their strengths.
For Vice President Jejomar Binay, it’s decisiveness. Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, intelligence and competence. For Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, it’s the will to get things done. For Senator Grace Poe, it’s inclusivity. For the ruling party’s Mar Roxas, it’s experience and numbers to boot.
Presidential hopefuls agree that debates are important to show voters what they really have to offer beyond their ads and slogans.
But they also say that the 90 second – 60 second – and 30 -second time limits are restrictive.
MAR ROXAS, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Masalimuot, maselan at malalaking problema ito ay hindi naman puwede na sa isang minuto ay masasagot lahat ito. Ang pagkapangulo naman ay hindi karera eh. Ang pagkapangulo ay pagsusuri sa mga problema at pagdedetermina kung ano ang pinakamabuting paraan sa paglutas nito.
GRACE POE, PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: There’s really no tough questions because I prepared for it. Ang mahirap lang ang kakulangan ng oras. Okay na rin yung disiplina na rin para masabi ang lahat.
Duterte even quips during the live program that the debate should be extended for two more hours.
Campaign teams are quick to praise their candidates performances during the debate. By Rappler’s count, Roxas won the first round while the last two go to Poe.
Online, people say it was Duterte who won.
The debate is historic and the hype, immense. But in a country where catchy slogans, jingles and lofty promises often trump policy papers, the real winner of this and future debates remain to be seen.
Bea Cupin, Rappler, Cagayan de Oro City. – Rappler.com
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