Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 26) – Vice presidential candidates pitched themselves before voters during a CNN Philippines debate on Saturday, as they expounded on what a nation under their leadership in the next six years would look like.
Seven of all nine aspirants faced off during the event, including former congressman Walden Bello, pro-life advocate Rizalito David, economist Manny Lopez, doctor Willie Ong, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, lawyer Carlos Serapio, and Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III.
Only Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza were unable to attend. Duterte didn’t give a particular reason, while Atienza said he was recovering from a knee surgery.
The debate which ran for two and a half hours saw aspirants laying out their plans to combat pandemics, defend the country’s maritime rights, and deal with rising oil prices, among other pressing issues.
For one, candidates said sticking to a science-based approach is important in fighting COVID-19 and possibile health crises in the future. In 2020, the United Nations and critics of the Duterte administration have raised concern over the “highly militarized” response which the government has implemented in fighting the coronavirus.
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CNN Philippines is set to hold its presidential debate on Sunday. All candidates are expected to be present except former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Duterte’s running mate.
Other topics centered on aid for micro, small, and medium enterprises badly hit by the pandemic, and policies to deal with oil price hikes which are seen to persist for the ninth straight week.
Measures to control or cushion the impact of inflation have become even more imperative in recent days amid the backdrop of the worsening Ukraine-Russia conflict. Experts fear the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine would disrupt oil supplies and exacerbate the rise in fuel prices.
The debate held at the University of Santo Tomas also heated up at some points, with vice presidential bets clashing over issues on the West Philippine Sea and the drug war.
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As #CNNPHVPDebate trended on Twitter, so did Bello who caused a stir both on stage and online for his criticisms against his rivals, including the absent Duterte whom he called a coward for skipping the event.
The hopefuls were also questioned on their plans to fight graft and corruption, as well as on their preferred Cabinet position if they win in May. Some, meanwhile, weighed in on the existence of political dynasties.
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