Plans, not mudslinging: Netizens’ expectations for Pangasinan debate

MANILA, Philippines – Allegations and insults have been thrown like confetti on live television in the first two Comelec-sanctioned presidential debates. Netizens are hoping to hear a better exchange among presidential bets in its last and third leg due to happen on April 24, 2016 in Pangasinan. (READ: ‘#PiliPinasDebates2016: Highs and lows on social media‘)

As the 5 presidential candidates prepare for their last debate, Rappler asked readers what they are hoping to hear from the candidates in this debate. Here are what they had to say:

Concrete platforms, please

“I hope that the candidates in the 3rd presidential #PiliPinasDebates2016 avoid schoolyard taunts this time,” said netizen Alexandra Lapa.

 

@rapplerdotcom I hope that the candidates in the 3rd presidential #PiliPinasDebates2016 avoid schoolyard taunts this time

— Alexandra Lapa (@AlexVLapa) April 23, 2016

Like Lapa, other netizens are hoping that the candidates can go beyond mudslinging and talk about concrete plans and platforms.

 

@rapplerdotcom I am expecting to hear concrete plans. This is not a time for them to throw accusations at each other. Nakakasawa na. #PHVote

— Rae Emmanuel (@raefication) April 23, 2016

@rapplerdotcom plan of actions ng mga kandidato. Yung konkreto talaga at di puro ganto ganyan.

— Ariel (@ArielLavigne) April 23, 2016

@rapplerdotcom A much better debate that lets the presidential candidates lay out/discuss their platforms thoroughly to the public. #PHVote

— Joseph Gonzales (@hpesoj_basilio) April 23, 2016

@rapplerdotcom Elevate the discussion. Concrete and specific platforms from the candidates. No motherhood statements.

— Lea Sheraine Navarro (@leasheraine) April 23, 2016

@rapplerdotcom Enough of empty promises, tell us in details how you’ll accomplish your goals

— Ric Capili (@richmarc1214) April 23, 2016

 

Fair, better moderation

Meanwhile, some are more concerned with fair and better moderation from the debate’s host, ABS-CBN. 

@rapplerdotcom Make them debate like what tv5 has done. Let them talk to each other not Miss Universe like of questioning.Goodluck ABS-CBN

— Benjamin Nerpiol (@benjamin7321) April 23, 2016

 

@rapplerdotcom A much better debate that lets the presidential candidates lay out/discuss their platforms thoroughly to the public. #PHVote

— Joseph Gonzales (@hpesoj_basilio) April 23, 2016

This comes after netizens slammed the network’s previous vice presidential debate as ‘boring’ with ‘beauty pageant’ questions. (READ: ‘Beauty pageant questions? Netizens find ABS-CBN VP debate ‘boring’‘ )

Some also hoped for less TV commercials.

 

Im hoping less commercial more sensible debates and issues to be tackled. @rapplerdotcom

— dhanny (@Living_Insights) April 23, 2016

In the first presidential debate hosted by GMA, 48 minutes or 35.5% of the entire 135-minute presidential debate were spent on ads. The Cebu debate hosted by TV5 had fewer ads, allocating only 41 minutes and 37 seconds or the 26% of the entire 160-minute debate broadcast.

Talk about issues 

Some netizens also wished that the candidates can talk more about specific issues.

Netizens, like Twitter user @arnold1973, wish to hear about the candidates’ plans for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). (READ: ‘#OFWVote: Presidential bets on solving illegal recruitment, abuse‘)

@rapplerdotcom their program how to protect and safeguard the OFW remittances bcoz of the money scandal

— arnold1973 (@arnold19732) April 23, 2016

Twitter user @iamdanayao wants to hear the candidates talk about solving the issues in Mindanao. 

 

@rapplerdotcom I hope we can hear them ACTUALLY talk about Mindanao & discuss their plans for the PH’s fruit basket. #PiliPinasDebate2016

— Daniel (@iamdandayao) April 23, 2016

 

Netizen @siwonderppy, on the other hand, wishes to hear about the candidates’ plan for the country’s agriculture sector.

 

@rapplerdotcom Gusto ko marinig kung anong programa ang ilalatag nila para sa agrikultura kung saan dapat natin palakasin.

— ROBINA❤ (@siwonderpyy) April 23, 2016

Netizen Choco Martin hopes to hear about the bets’ stands on LGBT issues.

@rapplerdotcom I hope that the #PiliPinasDebates2016 tackles LGBT rights and equality laws.

— Choco Martin (@WRECKsonBernal) April 23, 2016

Netizen Badz Calamba, meanwhile, wants the candidates to reveal their plans after the elections, especially when they lose. 

@rapplerdotcom want to hear them their plans after election, esp when they lose.

— Badz A. Calamba (@SeptrinJohnC) April 23, 2016

For netizens James Reyes and Arnel Macatangan, the bets’ choices for cabinet secretaries are also matters of concern.

@rapplerdotcom i wanna know at least a few of who their prospective cabinet secretaries are

— James Reyes (@jameskyut) April 23, 2016

How about you? What are your expectations for this debate? Share your thoughts in the comments or post them on X! – Rappler.com