Editorial
The Debate
TODAY, the nation will be all eyes on Pangasinan, being the venue for the third presidential debate, the ultimate and perhaps the most crucial phase of the campaign period for the May 9 elections.
The recitation of the platforms by the candidates will expectedly bore the voters who will be glued to their TV screens and computers for the coverage and live-streaming of the proceedings. After all, it will not be the first time to hear candidates promise the voters the galaxy (moon and stars are already cliché) and the illusive dream. What else can be new? More of free this and free that?
What most await with bated breath from the ‘town hall forum’ format are the responses to the many emotional and pertinent unresolved political issues surrounding our five presidentiables, Vice President Jejomar Binay, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, former Interior Sec. Mar Roxas and Senator Miriam Santiago.
No doubt, corruption and issues on incompetence, inexperience, integrity and moral values will still dominate the discussion. Disruptive arguments will likely rule the day.
We join the nation in praying that this debate-forum will be instructive enough to guide voters in determining who could best lead the nation forward in the next six years.
Duterte’s damage control
RODRIGO Duterte must make monumental moves to recover his gains lost in the aftermath of his rape joke. It should begin today, when the third and final presidential debate is held at the University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City.
Just when Duterte appeared pulverizing his foes going into the homestretch of the May 9 polls, he absorbed what could be a lethal blow not from his rivals but, ironically, from his own mouth. Self-inflicted blast. He has apologized since. But pundits insist Duterte needs to do more to mend his fences.
In short, Duterte must use, perhaps, his opening statement in today’s debate to explain in the strongest terms why he should not be dumped altogether as punishment for that utterly sick rape joke. Watched nationwide, the debate could be Duterte’s decisive vehicle for a chance at redemption. Damage control must be his top priority from here on.
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