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<strong>ELECTION WATCH:</strong> Presidential aspirants face tough questions in GMA-7's <em>Isang Tanong</em>


Former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada (background) beams as Sen. Manny Villar tackles a hard question in GMA-7's Isang Tanong. Villar was asked by UP Economics Professor Solita "Winnie" Monsod about his alleged corruption practices, which are said to be comparable to those committed by Estrada.

Screen grab from GMA-7

ELECTION WATCH: Presidential aspirants face tough questions in GMA-7's Isang Tanong

Mark Angelo Ching

Monday, November 23, 2009
03:23 PM

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Last night, November 22, GMA-7 premiered Isang Tanong, a News and Public Affairs feature that serves as an early primer to next year's national elections. Throughout the two-hour program, presidential aspirants were asked the most burning questions that affect Filipino voters.

 

Eight presidential candidates took the hot seat: Senator Noynoy Aquino, Olongapo Councilor John Carlos "JC" delos Reyes,  action star and former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Bayani Fernando, environmentalist Nicanor Perlas, former Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro, religious leader Eddie Villanueva, and Senator Manny Villar.

 

Mike Enriquez hosted the show. Mel Tiangco, Jessica Soho, Arnold Clavio, and Vicky Morales were his co-hosts.

 

The interrogation panel was composed of Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) director Malou Mangahas, Philippine Bar Association (PBA) former president Atty. Victor Lazatin, Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) editor John Nery, Institute for Political and Economic Reform (IPER) Executive Director Mon Casiple, GMANews.tv editor in chief Howie Severino, and Economist and PDI columnist Winnie Monsod.

 

Included in the panel were student groups from the University of the Philippines, Diliman; Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University (DLSU), and San Beda University.

 

The show had three rounds. In the first round, each candidate was asked three questions–the first from a GMA-7 news anchor, the second from the panel, and the third from a pool of questions sent by viewers of GMANews-tv.

 

Only two minutes were allotted for each candidate to answer each of the first two questions; only one minute was given to answer the third one.

 

In the second round, the candidates were asked to answer the same question from one mystery asker, who turned out to be CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida. The founder of Dynamic Teen Company asked the candidates, "Paano ba maging bayani?"

 

For the third round, which will be shown in next Sunday's episode, the presidential aspirants will be given a chance to ask a question to co-aspirants.

 

NOYNOY AQUINO. Sen. Noynoy Aquino was the first on the hot seat during round one. The first question by Mel Tiangco obliged the Ninoy and Cory scion to round up his accomplishments as a three-term congressman and current senator. He mentioned three of the laws he authored.

 

PCIJ's Malou Mangahas asked about his platform of governance. Aquino said he will focus on job generation, education, health and judicial reform. "Magiging sandata ito sa pag-ayos sa tiwali sa gobyerno," he said.

 

Lastly, Aquino randomly picked a viewer-sent question. Would he  readily relinquish his post as president if he were accused of corruption? Aquino said he would not immediately step down from power, but would appeal to due process. He gave the assurance that he had not used the government for his own gains during his terms as solon.

 

In answer to Peñaflorida's question, Aquino equated heroism with  caring for others: "Sa lahat ng panahon... Pakikipagtungo sa kapwa na tama parati... lalo na sa panahon na kailangan ang pag-aaruga sa kapwa."

 

JC DELOS REYES. John Carlos "JC" delos Reyes finished his Public Administration degree in UP Diliman. He completed his theology studies in the United States

 

Mel Tiangco asked Delos Reyes if he thinks he could win even without much-needed political machinery. The two-term Olongapo councilor  appealed to everyone to change the country's electoral system by voting for someone who does not rely on these machineries.

 

"Gusto natin basagin na ang mananalo sa eleksyon ay ang may pera... Kung mabasag po natin 'yan, ang mangyayari sa Pilipinas ay ang bagong simulain," he said.

 

UST student Jeanne Castillo asked Delos Reyes why he is against the controversial reproductive health bill. Delos Reyes said its main argument, that overpopulation is a problem, is a myth. He said vast unoccupied lands exist in the Philippines, proving that the country does not have a population problem. Congressmen and big businessmen should distribute these lands to the poor, he said.

 

Delos Reyes also explained that contraceptives being pushed among  women today have been proven dangerous to their wellbeing. He appealed to the government to strengthen the implementation of laws protecting women.

 

What are his reasons are for running? asked a viewer.

 

"Sa pamamgitan sa pagtakbo binigyan ang Pilipinas ng choice, pagpili. Pulitikang nababase sa prinsipyo, hindi lang nagunguna, sikat, o may pera," he said.

 


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