Presidential bets show mettle on issues in Comelec e-rally, online forum

Several presidential candidates have joined radio, online forums, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s e-rally channel to discuss their campaign platforms ahead of May 2022 polls.

According to Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report, labor leader Leody de Guzman participated in a radio and online forum to discuss his platforms on Friday.

Dr. Jose Montemayor Jr. attended a worship service in Pampanga on Thursday. He also filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the mandatory vaccination and “no vaccine, no ride policy” before the Angeles City Council.

Montemayor’s running mate and vice presidential candidate Rizalito David joined Comelec e-rally and explained the powers of corporations, which can also be done by the local government units (LGUs).

“Napakarami pong magagawa kung ang mga LGUs ay matututo na isagawa yung corporate powers nila by putting up local government corporations,” David said.

(There is so much that can be done if LGUs learn to exercise their corporate powers by putting up local government corporations.)

Former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales said quality education system would lead to the betterment of the country.

“Gusto talaga natin maging first world country, maging isang mayaman at progresibong bansa. Dapat katulong ang lahat, katulong ang mga mamamayan,” Gonzales.

(We want to be a first world country, to be a rich and progressive nation. We should help each other.)

Businessman Faisal Mangondato underscored the importance of federalism for the Muslim communities.

“Sa matagal tagal ng pagsasakripisyo ng mga kapatid nating Moro yung totoong pagnanais ng mga kapatid nating Muslim ay hindi nila nakuha sa ganitong sistema ng ating gobyerno unless palitan natin ng bagong sistema,” Mangondato said.

(During the long period of sacrifice of our Moro brothers and sisters, the real desire of our Muslim brothers and sisters was not achieved in this system of our government unless we replace it with a new system.)

Meanwhile, former Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella encouraged the participation of civil society groups in the government, noting that they will “oversee law enforcement, bids and awards, health, and education system.”

“In other words, local problems, local solutions. Ang makakapagsolusyon po niyan sa tinatawag nating graft and corruption ay ang ating tinatawag na civil society or ordinaryong mamamayan. Pagnangyari po ito ay mareresolba po natin ang karamihan ng ating mga problema in which case ito po ay corruption related,” Abella added.

The official campaign period for Eleksyon 2022 candidates running for national positions officially started on Tuesday, February 8, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The national and local elections will be held on May 9.—LDF, GMA News