Robredo dominated VP debate, say Region 8 LP allies

TACLOBAN CITY, April 12 (PNA) –- For Liberal Party members and supporters in Eastern Visayas, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo dominated the first vice presidential debate on Sunday.

Leyte Vice Governor Carlo Loreto said that Robredo was able to out-do her opponents in the more than two hours of debate held at the University of Sto. Tomas.

“She was able to display grace under pressure as well as strength of character and conviction in pursuing the best interest of the country,” Loreto said.

For Liberal Party Youth for the Philippines-Samar president Francis Joseph Grey, Robredo was at her best and showed her pure intention of helping the people, which she started even when she was still with non-government organizations.

“Her records shows that she was never involved in any case of corruption,” Grey said.

Among the issues discussed during the debate were corruption, political dynasty, foreign policy, traffic congestion and Martial Law.

Tacloban Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin said that aside from Robredo, Senators Allan Peter Cayetano and Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. also did well in the debate.

Yaokasin lauded the Commission on Elections for coming up with platform “to help voters get to know the candidates better.”

“But debates should not be the only basis in choosing the candidates. Debates will reveal a little of their competence and personal character,” Yaokasin added.

For Tacloban resident Alexander Lopez, no matter what the outcome of the vice-presidential debate, voters should choose who they think should be the country’s second most powerful leader.

“We need to learn their plan and what is their opinion on pressing issues in our country. I’m glad that we have this kind of activity to inform voters,” Lopez said.

Lopez added that candidates should also learn to deliver their promises during election campaign.

“Debate should be done for often for all candidates running not only in national position, but also for those in local positions,” said senatorial candidate Richard Gordon, who was here to turn over projects as chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.

Gordon said that debate will help candidates not only to present their platform, but will also save them enormous amounts of money in political advertisement.

“Debate especially for national position should not only be done in selected places, but in every region at the government expense for people to know the candidates very well,” Gordon said.

The vice-presidential debate aired at CNN Philippines is the third installment of the debate organized by the Comelec.

The first two debates are for the presidential position aired over GMA-7 and TV 5, held in Cagayan de Oro and Cebu, respectively. The last debate will be held in Pangasinan to be aired by ABS-CBN. (PNA)

LAP/SQM/RTA/EGR