I would like to congratulate the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) for organizing the series of debates among the presidential, vice presidential and senatorial candidates in the May elections. In a democracy, debates help voters get information about those seeking public office as these forums allow voters to learn more about the candidates.
Here’s my take: First, the debates were amazingly well organized. From site preparations to sending out the invitations, to assisting the guests to their assigned tables where dinner was served at Hotel Okada, the executions were perfectly done.
Second, the debates provided a level playing field to all candidates, regardless of their fame, political experience, resources and party affiliation. The forum gave the candidates the opportunity to show their competence, sensitivity to issues and readiness for the job, among others, without having to pay the extremely expensive rates of political advertisements.
Third, the debates allowed the Filipino voters to hear and rate the candidates based on their knowledge of issues and, more importantly, their platforms. It gave the audience a chance to perceive the sensitivity of the candidates to the problems of the Filipinos. The debates gave the candidates a chance to inform listeners about their concrete plans on how they intend to address or solve the most pressing issues. Most of all, the debates expowed the candidates’ competence and, of course, their sincerity to serve.
Fourth, although at one particular instance, I recall that some debate participants got into a heated argument and became personal in their attacks, propriety still reigned. What is important is that this kind of engagement among debate participants was corrected in the succeeding episode when SMNI reminded the candidates about the debate rules. It did well for the organizer to take control of the proceedings, and the succeeding debates were successfully staged. Generally, the debate’s flow of discussions were orderly and objective.
Lastly, the debates opened awareness among listeners, as it created an issue-based discussion that, to my opinion, became useful for Filipino voters to choose whom to vote. In a sense, the opinions and respective stand of candidates that were articulated in these debates will ultimately dedound to the benefit of a healthy democracy.
Political experts have found that giving voters access to information through debates between rival candidates can significantly improve their knowledge and increase democratic participation. The SMNI debates gave voters a chance to assess the candidates’ knowledge on issues and policies, to gauge their qualifications, and to see if they have the desired characteristics that voters are looking for. For the undecided voters, the debates could help them make up their minds and choose candidates based on their debate performance. The SMNI debates are important because they help voters make informed choices.
Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.