Bagumbayan calls for more Presidential debates
Buoyed by the success of the leadership forum organized by the Ateneo School of Government and broadcast through ABS-CBN News Channel, the Bagumbayan Movement called on media organizations to organize more Presidential debates.
Bagumbayan president Leon “Porong” B. Herrera pointed out that the people need to be informed and educated about the platforms and programs of people who are planning to run for President in 2010.
“Advertisements are a way of blinding people and keeping them from learning the true character of the candidate. Presidential candidates must undergo close scrutiny as public officials and as private citizens so that we can gauge their character as leaders,” said Herrera.
He further stressed that media organizations must inform the voting public about the candidate’s experience and track record as a public official.
“If the candidate claims to be for change, the candidate must show how consistently and successfully throughout his public life he has made change happen. If the candidate says he is for helping the poor, let him show how consistently and successfully he has lifted people out of poverty,” said Herrera.
The movement’s president further noted that debates would counteract the effect of political ads to propagate untruthful claims and skew the public’s perception of the candidate.
“News media organizations have great power and influence; with great power comes great responsibility. They must help the voting public see through the candidate’s propaganda and show them if the candidate really deserves to be President,” said Herrera.
Apart from Presidential debates on national radio and television, Herrera said that newspapers should also participate in helping the public scrutinize the qualifications of candidates.
He urged them to print supplements containing detailed information about those who intend to run for President in the 2010 elections.
Bagumbayan president Leon “Porong” B. Herrera pointed out that the people need to be informed and educated about the platforms and programs of people who are planning to run for President in 2010.
“Advertisements are a way of blinding people and keeping them from learning the true character of the candidate. Presidential candidates must undergo close scrutiny as public officials and as private citizens so that we can gauge their character as leaders,” said Herrera.
He further stressed that media organizations must inform the voting public about the candidate’s experience and track record as a public official.
“If the candidate claims to be for change, the candidate must show how consistently and successfully throughout his public life he has made change happen. If the candidate says he is for helping the poor, let him show how consistently and successfully he has lifted people out of poverty,” said Herrera.
The movement’s president further noted that debates would counteract the effect of political ads to propagate untruthful claims and skew the public’s perception of the candidate.
“News media organizations have great power and influence; with great power comes great responsibility. They must help the voting public see through the candidate’s propaganda and show them if the candidate really deserves to be President,” said Herrera.
Apart from Presidential debates on national radio and television, Herrera said that newspapers should also participate in helping the public scrutinize the qualifications of candidates.
He urged them to print supplements containing detailed information about those who intend to run for President in the 2010 elections.
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