On the evening of last Sunday, April 10, the only official Vice Presidential Debate in the PiliPinas Debates 2016 series was held at the University of Santo Tomas. All six VP candidates were present, namely, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Senator Chiz Escudero, Senator Gringo Honasan, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo. The debate, organized by CNN Philippines and moderated by Pinky Webb and Pia Hontiveros, tackled issues on corruption, traffic, internet, peace and order, foreign policy, political dynasties, economy, and human rights abuses.
Corruption
At the start of the debate, VP candidates Cayetano, Trillanes, and Robredo wasted no time in raising the issue of Marcos’ corruption scandals. They questioned the source of his wealth, his relation to Janet Lim Napoles, his absence in anti-corruption hearings, and his unwillingness to return his family’s ill-gotten wealth. Marcos denied all allegations and claimed that the senate hearings on corruption “was not anti-corruption but politicking.”
Cayetano also emphasized that the effective deterrent to corruption was not the penalty, but instead the assurance that those engaging in corrupt activities will be caught.
Economic growth
Robredo emphasized the need not only to continue, but also to create more programs to encourage inclusive and sustainable growth. She focused on addressing problems such as shelter, food, jobs, and disaster preparedness as areas for improvement to ensure sustainable growth.
On another note, Cayetano focused on the need to address drugs and crime instead. “In the end it’s not platform, but political will and leadership that will win the day,” he said.
Political dynasties
In relation to political dynasties, Escudero noted the role of the people in choosing their leaders and said they vote for who they want in the government regardless of their family names.
Marcos and Robredo, meanwhile, highlighted a provision in the Constitution that mandates the Congress to pass an anti-dynasty bill for equal opportunity. Both VP candidates are authors of bills that aim to prevent the prevalence of political dynasties in the country.
On the other hand, Honasan expressed his belief that the root problem lies in the lack of strong political parties.
All VP candidates are of the opinion that an Anti-Political Dynasty Law needs to be passed in the country.
Human rights abuses
Marcos acknowledged that all previous administrations had incurred human rights violations but noted that he has never been accused of any such violations. He refused to apologize for anyone else’s actions, especially those of his father.
To address human rights abuses, Honasan stressed the need to strengthen Philippine institutions, especially the judiciary, to hold people accountable against the rule of law.
Mindanao
To create peace and order in the region, Trillanes suggested creating two autonomous regions in Central Mindanao and Southern Mindanao to help cater to their different cultural and historical needs.
Cayetano linked the problems in Mindanao to poverty and historical social injustice, emphasizing the importance of federalism and political will. Similarly, Honasan focused on addressing the same root causes; however, he proposed good governance and the provision of basic services as the initial step to solving the problem.
Marcos accentuated that all sectors of society need to be included in the peace process in Mindanao for it to succeed, whereas Escudero asserted the need to put more money into the development of Mindanao.
Transportation
Marcos, Robredo, and Trillanes called for an improvement in the railway system and public transport system as means to address traffic and provincial transportation. However, they also indicated that there is a need for rural areas to be developed in order to decongest the capital.
Both Honasan and Trillanes also pressed to move centers of government and business outside the capital to immediately decongest the region.
However, Cayetano noted that plans are already in place but there is no political will to implement them. Escudero reiterated this notion and blamed the current administration for the prevalence of the problem.
Connectivity
In relation to connectivity, Robredo pointed out three areas of improvement: regulation, competition, and infrastructure. She and Escudero expressed that the government should be responsible for the creation of infrastructure to ensure nation-wide connectivity.
Trillanes and Cayateno said it is important to ensure the independence of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) from telcos and free up the market to more players. Meanwhile, Honasan and Marcos encouraged opening the market to international competition.
South China Sea and American alliance
While waiting for the decision on the arbitration case on the Spratly islands, Robredo and Trillanes pushed for the modernization of the military and improving international alliances.
When asked about American relations, Marcos emphasized that he will uphold the national interest of the Philippines over those of others. Similarly, Escudero said the Philippines must be kept on equal footing with all countries.
After over three hours of dialogue, the candidates ended the debate with their closing remarks. ABS-CBN will host the next and final presidential debate on April 24, 2016.
