By ELLEN T. TORDESILLAS
Photos from GMA News Online
THE winner of the first Comelec-sponsored debates of presidential candidates organized with GMA-7 and Philippine Daily Inquirer based on my monitoring of social media and exchange of notes with friends was Grace Poe.
It’s not scientific survey, of course.
Political analyst and De La Salle University Professor Richard Heydarian summed up the performance of the candidates as:
Grace: Forceful, assertive and displayed informed familiarity with issues;
Mar: Spent too much time defending status quo, but was very composed and combined a bit of drama with substance;
Miriam: Took an admirably principled but unpopular position on certain issues, bravely calling for Aristotelean leadership;
Duterte: Skillfully redirected questions to his own platform, and good to see him in Barong;
Binay: He should start boycotting debates, unless he changes his script
Justin De Jesus Sucgang ranking “for giving the most responsive and concise answers (not necessarily believable):1. Poe-Llamanzares; 2. Roxas;3. Binay;4. Defensor-Santiago 5. Duterte.
Marilyn Robles said, “It’s toss up between Poe and Duterte.” She added:”Roxas looked handsome tonight!”
Even early in the debate, journalist Jason Phillip Gutierrez scored it in favor of Poe:
Round 1: Grace is grace under pressure; Binay in attack mode; Roxas on the defensive; Miriam and Rody in mutual admiration.”
Another journalist, Manny Mogato observed that “Grace Poe came well prepared for this debate.”
Netizens were very perceptive. Jaime Garchitorena noted early in the debate that “Miriam is losing steam.”
A number commented on Roxas’ negative start and his adherence to “Tuwid na Daan.”
Many liked the quote of Duterte,”Wala along nakitang matuwid na daan, puro kulubot.”
Philippine Graphic Editor-in-Chief Joel Salud posted his reaction to Binay’s declaration of “Ako po ay decisive and effective leader”: “Muntik ako masamid.”
Presidenital Spokesman Ediwn Lacierda Edwin Lacierda complained :”@gmanews: @comelec you changed the format 2 allow Binay to have the last say to Mar’s statement. That’s a clear violation of ur own rules!”
Journalist Peter Tabingo said, “The format of the Presidential debate was too restrictive, too structured to allow candidates to show their capabilities under adversarial conditions. In the end a lot of them missed the chance of calling their opponents on their “sablay” policies, personal issues, and checkered histories.
“There were also too many candidates to allow a meaningful exchange among them.
“Poe, Duterte, Roxas and Miriam came ready with stats and figures. They probably used less than 10 percent of those preparations and about 5 percent of their brain power.
“The only really shaky moment was Binay’s when questioned on his properties. Miriam, given half the chance, could have done a lot more, cancer or no cancer.”
Heydarian said “The debate was good in a sense that it showed which candidates are up for the task, can compose their thoughts, and understand the complexity of the challenge. And reach out to multiple audiences.”
The next debate will be on March 20 to be held at the University of San Carlos in Cebu with TV5 and the Philippine Star. It will be a panel format.
The third and last will be on April 24 at the University of Pangasinan with ABS-CBN and the Manila Bulletin. It will be a town hall format.
Before the last presidential debate, the candidates for the vice presidency will also square off with one another on April 10 to be held in Metro Manila. Lead media organizers are CNN Philippines, Business Mirror and Rappler.
Be informed. Vote wisely.
