Vice presidential aspirants are introduced during the debate at the University of Santo Tomas. SCREENGRAB FROM CNN’S LIVESTREAM
Most of the candidates for vice president defined their leadership as something different from that of the traditional breed of Filipino politicians.
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During Sunday’s vice presidential debate at the University of Santo Tomas, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said public office should no longer be dominated by the known political clans like the Marcoses, the Aquinos or the Cojuangcos, while Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero spoke against politicking and some officials’ tendency to reward only those from their own political party.
Both scored corrupt politicians and vowed to never be associated with dishonest practices.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV reminded the audience that he is unlike the others who came from political families. He proudly pointed out that he was imprisoned after the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, which was carried out in protest to the rampant corruption in the government.
Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who was heckled by protesters for his father’s acts during martial law, also spoke against politicking. He boasted of his track record, claiming that he prioritized the needs of others first.
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Senator Gringo Honasan, a former military man turned rebel like Trillanes, also highlighted his experience as a soldier for 17 years. He said his “courage and audacity to act” will make things happen.
Camarines Sur representative Leni Robredo, who is the vice presidential bet of the ruling Liberal Party, chose to talk about her long experience in serving the marginalized sector. She said that she is the voice of those who are needy, like children from poor families and abused women. She reiterated her belief in providing leadership that involves the participation of the public in governance. IDL