The Diocesan Electoral Board has begun a series of candidates’ forums in Negros Oriental last Friday for his year’s synchronized May 13 elections.
The congressional candidates of the three Districts were the guests of the first DEB forum held live at the Fil Products studio area.
DEB convenor, Rev. Msgr. Julius Perpetuo Heruela said the forum, which will be aired at specific dates, aims to provide a non-partisan and free venue for candidates to present their qualifications, platforms or programs of government, and give local candidates and residents a chance to discuss the various issues affecting their communities.
The other dates include April 10 for governors and vice-governors; April 16 for Board Members in the first district; April 18 for 2nd District board members; April 23, 3rd District board members; April 26, Dumaguete City mayors and vice-mayors; April 30 for the first half of Dumaguete councilors; and May 3, the rest of the Dumaguete councilors.
Heruela said the candidates are expected to deliver a five to four-minute speech to introduce themselves and their platforms of government after which an open forum will immediately follow through a multi-sectoral panel of reactors.
After all the candidates have given their introductory speeches, an open forum will follow during which the panel of reactors will throw their questions to the candidate they wish to ask.
Candidates will be given two minutes to answer the question. But, there will be a timer — a warning ring will be sounded a minute before the time is up, and at the last ring to end the answer or discussion.
The audience can ask only by writing their questions on a piece of paper, which will be submitted to the moderator. Televiewers may text their questions to the designated cellphone numbers provided on the tv screen during the forum.
These questions shall be passed through the panel of reactors who shall screen the contents of the question being asked. No personal or privately sensitive questions will be allowed. Questions must relate only to the qualifications, plans, platform or program of government of the candidate concerned.
This activity also aims to raise the level of consciousness of voters towards a clean, honest, accountable, meaningful & peaceful elections (CHAMP).
The DEB is composed of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Movement for Free Elections, Commission on Elections, Philippine Information Agency, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Affirmative Action for Good Governance, Department of Education, Social Action Center.
The DEB urges all candidates to keep the issues at a high level, to focus on the interest of the people in a platform-led campaign, and employ the media as a means of enlightenment.
The Comelec also urges political leaders from all sides at all levels to adhere to the democratic process, and follow the road of sobriety and prudence to achieve honest, orderly, peaceful elections (HOPE). (PIA)
