RP FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS DEBATE / BETS PRESENT ECONOMIC
PLATFORMS
[Photo
is loading... Presidential candidates (from left) Sen. Benigno Aquino III, Sen.
Richard Gordon, Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Nicanor Perlas, John Carlos de los Reyes,
Gilbert Teodoro and Eddie Villanueva show their stand for clean elections at the
presidential debate organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the
Philippines in Makati City yesterday. MANNY MARCELO]
MANILA, FEBRUARY 17, 2010 (STAR) Most presidential bets are worried about a failure of elections as they noted delays in preparations for the automated system in May.
In a forum sponsored by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) at the Mandarin Hotel, Makati City yesterday, Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said machines for the automated polls would arrive only on Feb. 21 and teachers would only be trained on their use once in March.
Of the presidential aspirants, only former President Joseph Estrada and Sen. Manuel Villar were not at the forum.
Teodoro said logistics in transporting the machines to the precincts nationwide could also pose a problem.
Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino III said failure of the machines would not mean failure of elections, but the Commission on Elections (Comelec) must assure the public that it is on track on poll automation.
Teodoro said the Comelec must have an “honest to goodness” appraisal of the modern voting system, of what it could and could not do, based on the equipment delivered, systems installed and people trained on the ground.
He described as “ambitious” the poll automation project, to which Sen. Richard Gordon replied: “We should be ambitious” and that the country must strive hard to make the poll automation a success.
Gordon said he pushed for the automation of the polls and would continue to see how the election system could be improved if elected president.
Aquino said in the following days, his party would come out with a list of actions the Comelec must do before elections and that people should pressure various agencies to implement the guidelines on automated elections.
Bro. Eddie Villanueva urged all presidential aspirants to forge a covenant that would compel them to oppose a “brutal violation” of the people’s democracy.
Sen. Jamby Madrigal said there is little time left to go on full automation nationwide.
Environmentalist Nicanor Perlas said no matter how good the intentions, automated elections would have serious problems.
Teodoro said his father tried to computerize the Social Security System and after many years there were still glitches. “What more with the machines that were untested?” he said.
Perlas said he would support moves to call on the Comelec to also prepare for manual counting as he cited the possibility of cheating in a more sophisticated way with poll automation.
Olongapo City Councilor John Carlos de los Reyes said the problem was lack of confidence in government while Madrigal expressed fear the system could be hacked.
Clash on various issues
All the presidential aspirants rejected proposals to revive the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), but did not see eye to eye on other issues, such as the death penalty and the “Hello, Garci” May 2004 presidential election controversy.
They cited safety concerns of the $2.3-billion power plant in Limay, Bataan, and added that reopening the BNPP also runs counter to efforts to pursue less expensive environment-friendly energy alternatives, despite the looming power crisis.
They agreed that the BNPP was too old and would no longer be useful.
“There’s too much controversies surrounding it and it’s an old structure. It’s useless throwing good money after bad,” Teodoro said.
But Teodoro, Gordon, Villanueva and Perlas said they were open to debates on whether nuclear power could be utilized in the country.
On issue of the re-imposition of death penalty, Villanueva and Madrigal wanted capital punishment restored, especially for plunderers.
“When you plunder a country, you kill many people,” said Madrigal.
She said the death penalty should also be restored as an antidote against political warlords, like those involved in the Maguindanao massacre of 57 people, allegedly by members of the Ampatuan clan.
Villanueva said the death penalty has basis, as it is “biblical” and could address the proliferation of heinous crimes.
In a unique format of question and answer for the presidential bets, each of them was required to state their answers with the use of “Yes” or “No” flash cards that they showed to the audience.
After flashing their answers, they were given time to give the reasons why they took the stand.
Asked if they intend to pursue the “Hello, Garci” 2004 election scanadal, Teodoro and Gordon answered no.
“I will leave the investigation to other bodies which are more independent, unbiased, unprejudiced and with the credibility to hold such investigation. And whatever the outcome... we shall respect,” Teodoro said.
He maintained that if there are strong legal bases to pursue the case against those involved in the alleged election anomalies, it would be the job of the judiciary and not of the presidency.
But Aquino stressed the “Hello, Garci” scandal should have closure and the only thing to put the issue to rest is an investigation and those answerable should face the legal consequences.
“If we don’t close this particular issue, we will just perpetuate them,” Aquino said.
Bets favor VFA
In the forum, six presidential candidates favored continued American support in the south, but some would still like to review the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States.
Aquino said he would like to ensure that US forces were only visiting, as their presence appeared to have become permanent.
Gordon, Madrigal, and Villanueva also wanted clearer guidelines on the issue of custody of erring US soldiers. Madrigal was the only one opposing US presence in Mindanao.
Teodoro said he would like to expand ties with the US beyond the VFA because this would be advantageous for the Philippines.
But Perlas and De los Reyes expressed concern over the prolonged stay of US forces without clear benefits for the country.
Teodoro said he would like continued US participation in humanitarian response in times of disasters and for the Coast Watch South project.
The US is supporting the Philippines’ Coast Watch South project, which entails the installation of radar and other monitoring equipment in the porous islands of Mindanao to monitor and prevent the regional movements of terrorists and pirates.
The American forces also assist the country in responding to disasters like typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng,” and had been involved into socio-civic activities such as medical missions and construction of roads and schools.
But Teodoro said the government should not limit its military cooperation to the US and enter into status of forces agreements with other countries.
Gordon agreed that there must be greater cooperation between the US and the Philippines, but stressed the relationship between the two countries must always be equal.
Villanueva said the VFA should continue as long as it is helping soldiers. But he said the Philippine government should have custody over American soldiers who commit crimes in the country.
Perlas said the current VFA must be scrapped if there were violations under the Constitution but “it doesn’t mean we have no relationship with the US.”
Delos Reyes said the privilege speech of Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on the issue was worth considering.
The Senate passed Santiago’s resolution urging Malacañang to abrogate the VFA between the Philippines and the United States if the Americans would object to a renegotiation of the controversial accord.
On health care
Having seen the worst in the government’s health care program for Filipinos, Teodoro wants universal healthcare coverage for every citizen.
Teodoro, as former defense chief who also chaired the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), was at the forefront of disaster operations at the height of Ondoy and Pepeng in the country late last year.
He explained that “institutionalizing a participative health care scheme with universal coverage” would be among the first five priorities in his first 100 days in office.
He said the move would be better than increasing taxes to address the ills in government’s subsidized health program.
Besides health care, Teodoro also cited the need for educational reforms, which include the institutionalization of a student loan program, the continuity of long-term infrastructure initiatives to interconnect the country’s ports and seaports, an honest-to-goodness assessment of the peace and order situation, and strict and full implementation of pro-environment programs.
Expanded health program
Teodoro said that this participative system, in which all Filipinos will benefit from PhilHealth based on their ability to pay, is the better option than raising taxes to implement a government-subsidized expanded health care program.
Keynoting the program marking the recent 12th foundation anniversary of Kidapawan City, Teodoro said that besides implementing a participative health care system, the government should also strengthen the capability of the country’s barangay health workers and standardize procedures for preventive health care at the local level.
World Health Organization (WHO) standards place the ideal spending for health care at five percent of a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which Teodoro said couldn’t be realized in a developing country like the Philippines.
He said that unless a participative health insurance system is implemented, the national government would have to shoulder the expenses for universal PhilHealth coverage, which means the “unacceptable option” of raising income taxes by 50 percent.
Mechanisms to close scandals
Meanwhile, Aquino said he would create mechanisms to put closure to the “Hello, Garci” cheating controversy and other scandals involving President Arroyo once elected.
It was only Aquino who made such an announcement even as Madrigal, Villanueva, Perlas and De los Reyes declared that they would support the prosecution of Mrs. Arroyo for the scandal where she supposedly instructed former poll commissioner Virgilio Garcillano to ensure her victory over the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. in the 2004 elections.
Aquino said he would make sure the cases against Mrs. Arroyo would be studied while Teodoro said it would be up to an independent and unbiased body to conduct a probe the case.
Gordon, for his part, said it would not be good to look back as the country would have a lot to attend to for a better future.
He stressed it would be best to look forward rather than be stuck with past issues. – Aurea Calica, Mike Frialde, Jaime Laude, Pia Lee Brago
Bets present economic platforms By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) Updated February 17, 2010 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - It was another opportunity for presidential hopefuls to display their expertise in what matters most to many Filipinos – the economy.
Five presidential candidates presented their economic platforms yesterday before the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
Taking a break from their campaign, Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino III, former President Joseph Estrada, Sen. Richard Gordon, administration bet Gilbert Teodoro Jr., evangelist Eddie Villanueva and Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar took questions from the PCCI panel.
All candidates discussed the need to stamp out corruption, reduce the budget deficit, and ensure food security by developing agriculture.
Teodoro, in his opening speech, said efforts should be made to reduce the number of poor from 45.3 percent of the population in 1991 to 22.7 percent by 2015.
Aquino reiterated his anti-corruption campaign by ensuring transparency in government procedures and budgetary processes.
Estrada, for his part, said there can be no sustainable development without peace and order.
The presidential candidates agreed on the need to review the performances of the National Food Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration and the Laguna Lake Development Authority.
Estrada lamented that the country has become the world’s biggest rice importer unlike during his administration when there was enough rice supply.
Villar said he would see to it that the economic growth under his administration would impact significantly on the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
“It is not enough for us just to grow (the economy) fast, but it is important that our people will feel the effects of high economic growth,” Villar said.
“It is very easy to formulate policies. It is very easy to prepare platforms. But it is very important to demonstrate our capability to do what we will commit to do and to be able to implement strategies,” he said.
On food security concerns, Villar said he intends to modernize agriculture to which sector 70 percent of the poor reportedly belong. “It is important to provide safety nets for the poorest of the poor,” he said.
“I see the potential of agriculture, especially in the last few years we neglected (it). And I would advise that there is interest in agriculture not only in the Philippines but all over the world and it’s best to revive agriculture now,” Villar said.
“In reducing loses, we have to work on entities like NFA,” he said, adding that it has been mismanaged and is no longer responsive to the needs of the people.
“Now I’m not saying I’ll abolish the NFA, I’m just saying that you have to redefine the role of the NFA,” he added.
“I’m very confident that we can be sufficient. Let’s start with the doables: number one, repair the existing irrigation system. We have to review the irrigation system for productivity per peso. Priority should be given to the doables,” Villar said.
On the issue of energy, Villar said the country has to attract more foreign investments in power. “We have to remove the cartel, if there is one, and welcome all investors,” he said.
Villar also pointed out how corruption could affect the flow of foreign direct investments.
“We cannot forget about corruption. This must be addressed. For me, it’s how you do it in the first 100 days that your term will not be corrupt,” he added.
Villanueva said he would “eradicate bad governance” and emphasized the need for the government to maximize the utilization of its natural resources to help propel the economy.
Stop smuggling
Gordon, of Bagumbayan party, called on the public to help government put a stop to smuggling as he also promised to set up a 24-hour desk at Malacañang where informants may relay information on smuggling activities.
“We must be a part of the process of change. We will have a 24-hour desk in Malacañang to receive reports on smuggling,” he said.
Gordon also called on the people to buy more Philippine-made goods to counter the flow of smuggled goods coming from China.
Gordon stressed that Filipinos should be proud of goods made in the Philippines in the same manner that he is proud of the goods manufactured inside the Subic Freeport.
When asked about his plan for job generation, Gordon said the Philippines may invigorate the domestic job market by strengthening its tourism sector.
“I speak from my experience in Subic. You have to show that you have the legal infrastructure in place. I will promote tourism. Tourism is the best way to generate jobs. We must develop tourism zones and develop the entrepreneurial spirit,” said Gordon, a former Tourism secretary and chief of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Meanwhile, Gordon also batted for responsible mining, saying the country could benefit much from the estimated $1 trillion in untapped mineral deposits.
Gordon said that while mining may prove to be profitable for the country, it should be done with consultation with the local communities affected.
“$1 trillion ang nasa ilalim ng ating bansa (underground). But there must be responsible mining, a consultation with the community and the stakeholders. The national government should know what to do. We should have sustainable good mining practices. The law on this should be clear,” he said.
Gordon also stressed that Filipinos should develop a competitive spirit and take the initiative to solve problems.
“We need to handle ourselves as a country and as a people. We need to become a country that fixes the problem and not looking for blame. It is time now to stop others from performing better than we do. Our businesses here can compete with the rest of the world,” he said.
Gordon also called on business leaders to help inspire their countrymen to excel and build their future in the Philippines.
“We should find our future here. Let us cast aside our doubts. It is our doubts that hinder our dreams. We must realize that if we don’t act today, and if we don’t inspire our countrymen, we are not leaders,” Gordon said.
Biased
Meanwhile, Aquino complained of what he viewed as bias of forum moderator Tony Lopez for his closest rival Villar.
Aquino was apparently piqued by changes in the sequence of questioning from the PCCI panel.
Aquino was surprised when Lopez told him on stage in the third round that he would be the first one to answer the businessmen’s queries.
In alphabetical order, Aquino was the first one to speak among the presidential aspirants, and this was reversed in the second round, during which Villar spoke first. In the third round, what Lopez failed to do was remind everyone that it was back to the first round policy.
“He’s favoring Villar. He has already several articles on that matter,” Aquino said, apparently referring to Lopez’s column in the Manila Times. Lopez is a veteran journalist and a member of the Manila Overseas Press Club.
Aquino said he knew the background of Lopez from the very start, and just hoped he could get a fair deal. But Lopez made known his bias against Aquino from the very beginning, when he stated Aquino was for “imagination” while Villar’s policy was “action.”
Most impressive
PCCI vice chairman Donald Dee said “as usual Gibo (Teodoro) was most impressive.”
Speaking to reporters after yesterday’s presidential debate, Dee said Teodoro’s platform and answers stood out against other aspirants who attended the forum.
The PCCI panel, composed of representatives from various business organizations, was also reported to have been dazzled by Teodoro’s performance.
The panel was composed of Miguel Varela, chairman emeritus of PCCI; Alfonso Uy, president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation; Edgardo Lacson, president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines; Jesus Pineda, chairman of Philippines Inc.; Eusebio Tan, president of the Management Association of the Philippines and Gregorio Navarro, president of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines.
Ortiz-Luis criticized the stand of Aquino on fiscal prudence. “I have never agreed with fiscal prudence. We should spend in accordance with our growth targets. We have to expand our economy,” Ortiz-Luis said. With Jaime Laude, Delon Porcalla, Mike Frialde, Ma. Elisa Osorio