How quickly can Filipinos feel your leadership? Presidential bets respond

Nine presidential candidates faced the nation on Sunday to answer questions about the country's problems and their plans if elected in the May 9 polls.

During the CNN Philippines presidential debate, the contenders were asked how quickly the Filipino people would feel their leadership if they were elected president.

Jose Montemayor Jr. said the impact of his leadership will be felt within one year as he plans to reduce unemployment and increase employment opportunities.

Faisal Mangondato said he would push for federalism in order to eradicate corruption and poverty in the country.

“Ako ay magiging isang pangulo na gagawin ko, gagampanan ko ang aking tungkulin sa pamamaraan na mawala ang mga corruption at kahirapan dito sa ating bansa sa pagtawid natin sa federalismo,” Mangondato said.

(If I am elected president, I will eliminate corruption and poverty in our country as we transition to federalism.)

The presidential candidate of the Katipunan ng Kamalayang Kayumanggi also stated that the country will be managed on "autopilot."

“Ang aking gagawin, unang unang gagawin pagkaupo bilang presidente ay gagawin ko ang ating gobyerno na ilalagay sa auto pilot. Ano ibig sabihin nito? Katulad sa eroplano, lumilipad maski wala ang piloto. Ang ibig sabihin ang hahawak ng ating gobyerno ay mga professional na may civil service,” he said.

(First, I'm going to put our government on autopilot. What is the meaning of this? Like an airplane, it flies even without the pilot. This means that the civil service professionals will handle our government.)

Former presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said he wants to ensure civil society participation in government.

“Gusto natin hikayatin sila to look after law enforcement, to look after trade, yung bids and awards. Within the first three to six months meron pong epekto because we are going to invite them to participate in local government and to make sure na maramdaman sila in terms of making sure na nakikita yung health, education and also corruption,” he added.

(We want to encourage them to look after law enforcement, look after trade, and look after bids and awards. Within the first three to six months, there will be an impact because we are going to invite them to participate in local government and to make sure that they will feel it in terms of making sure that health, education, and corruption are being monitored.)

Senator Manny Pacquiao disclosed his plan to construct a mega prison for corrupt officials in his first 100 days as president.

He will also push for legislation that would bar people convicted of plunder from receiving a pardon.

"Gusto kong makita sa kulungan ang mga kawatan diyan sa gobyerno. Gusto kong baligtarin ang bawat ahensiya ng gobyerno, ipaulit ko lahat from the national down to the local government kasi that's the only way na magkaroon tayo ng tunay na pagbabago, tunay na kasaganahan at pag-unlad ng ating bansa," he said.

(I want to see corrupt officials behind bars. I want an overhaul of the government, from national to local, because that's the only way for us to achieve real change, real prosperity, and genuine progress.)

Pacquiao also reiterated his plan to provide capital to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Vice President Leni Robredo said her first executive order will require government agencies to make all transactions public. 

"This is not enough, but it is the first step para iparating sa ating mga kababayan na seryoso tayo na lilinisin at aayusin natin ang pamahalaan," she said.

(This is not enough, but it is the first step so that our people will know that we are serious about fixing the government.)

Robredo also said only competent people with integrity will be appointed to government posts. 

Senator Panfilo Lacson, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, labor leader Leody De Guzman, and former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales all stated that they are not interested in being bound by timelines.

"Hindi ako naniniwala sa deadlines (I do not believe in deadlines)," Lacson said. "At the end of my term, when the Filipino looks back, he will able to say 'I'm better off when this administration started.'"

Lacson mentioned his commitment to sign a waiver of his rights under the Bank Secrecy Act on his first day in office “to set the tone of his presidency.”

In his first 100 days as president, he also vowed to do an internal cleansing to remove the “inept, corrupt, and undisciplined” government officials and employees.

“Leadership by example ang nangunguna sa aking leadership principles (Leadership by example tops my leadership principles). Kung ang isang leader (If a leader) has no moral ascendancy and he cannot practice what he preaches then it is useless,” he said.

For his part, Moreno said, "Well, I get things done. I don't have to give a timeframe."

"Since time immemorial pag ako pumapasok sa gobyerno (when I entered government service), I really try to excel in every field of undertaking," Moreno said.

He reiterated that the Moreno-Ong tandem will prioritize life and livelihood in the first two years of their term.

"Maramdaman niyo lang may gobyerno kayong maasahan, masasandalan. Iyon po ang pangarap ko sa inyo, makatawid tayo, makaraos tayo sa pandemyang ito," he said.

(You can experience a government that you can trust and rely upon. That is my dream for all of you: that we will be able to survive this pandemic.)

Gonzales said he would be open to discussions about amending the 1987 Constitution.

"Hindi po ako naniniwala sa deadline. Best effort. Kaya lamang 'yung 100 days eh walang maramdaman ang ating mga kababayan kasi ang iniisip ko po, dapat simulan na natin ang pagtanaw sa isang pinaplanong bukas," Gonzales said.

(I do not believe in deadlines. Best effort. Our people will have felt nothing substantial after 100 days. In my opinion, we should start planning for the future.)

De Guzman said that he would fight for the welfare of workers as he vowed to end contractualization and increase the salaries of laborers.

"Hindi rin ako sang-ayon sa timeframe pero ang una kong gagawin, ipatutupad ko ang Labor First policy, pasensya na 'yung malalaking negosyante, hindi ito para sa inyo," he said.

(I also do not agree with a certain timeframe. The first thing I will do is implement the Labor First policy. Sorry to the big businessmen, this is not for you.)

On the question of whether they are amenable to making public their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, the contenders all raised their hands in a show of agreement.

Former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. skipped the debate.

— Richa Noriega, Hana Bordey, Joahna Lei Casilao, Llanesca Panti, Anna Felicia Bajo and Jamil Santos/VBL, GMA News