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Harapan The ANC Presidential Forum | Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN

Last 2nd of December 2009, the students of Manila’s university belt, together with the Filipinos accross the globe converge to watch and listen as the presidential aspirants give their wits, ideas and their platapormas as ABS-CBN’s presented Harapan: The ANC Presidential Forum from the Medicine Theatre of the University of Santo Tomas.

The 7 presidential aspirants who participated at the debate were: Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro of Lakas-CMD, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III of Liberal, Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada of PMP, Richard “Dick” Gordon of Bagumbayan, Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas, Nicanor Perlas, an independent candidate and Councilor JC delos Reyes of Ang Kapatiran.

Photo courtesy of Ang Sa Wari Ko/Flowell Galindez

Each presented their ideas and thoughts on particular issues that any potential presidentiable would face in its administration by the time they’ll be elected by the Filipino people. Here are some of the ideas and excerpts from the said event:

1. Their thoughts about President Arroyo being the new prime minister of the Philippines

• Gibo: Will follow party’s plans and aims.
• Erap: Will not allow Gloria to be a prime minister of the country.
• Nicanor: Old politics and new politics. Will not allow Gloria to be a prime minister.
• Bro.Eddie: Transforming the bureaucracy and still wouldn’t allow Gloria to be the prime minister.
• Dick: “Kapampangans should think why Gloria should be running for congress.” He will not allow Gloria to be the new prime minister.
• Noynoy: “Great danger if she gets into power… Will oppose any measures to put her into power.”
• JC: “Against delicadeza. Will not allow Arroyo to run as prime minister.”

On the second question about the Maguindanao massacre, most of the candidates asserted immediate action, total gun ban, the state taking control over the affected area and the dismantling of the private armies of the local warlords. Gibo however emphasized on “how to implement” the acts that the others have suggested.

There are a lot of questions that were raised during the debate. I would suggest people to watch its replay on ABS-CBN this Sunday evening, December 6 after TV Patrok Linggo at around 9:30 to 10:30 PM or visit their website at http://www.abs-cbnnews.com to know more of your presidential candidates even closer. This is the time you as Filpino citizens should practice your right to chart your future…get to know more of the people and see who would rise to be the next commander-in-chief and head of the state of this nation of 7,107 islands.