Untold stories, behind the forums
Guimaras Governor JC Rahman Nava and
Rep. Edgar Espinosa shake hands before the start
of the “Debate sang Bombo” last Saturday, April 14.
The two congressional candidates for Guimaras
explained to the radio listeners their platforms of
government during the program.
In compliance with a Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution, various media outlets launched forums and debates that gathered candidates mostly from hotly contested seats. With free airtime accorded to the guest-candidates, panelists include the academe, the Church and local media practitioners.
Bombo Radyo Iloilo had Guimaras top officials in Saturday's "Debate sa Bombo," a face-off between congressionable Governor Rahman Nava and reelectionist Congressman Edgar Espinosa.
The duo sat across each other with respective aides in tow as allowed by the network while a sole uniformed police officer kept watch outside the booth. The atmosphere was cordial but got a surprise twist when the topic was on the oil spill particularly the millions in pesos of donations.
Espinosa was quick to say that accounting is not his to do for he even spent his own money to extend help. Nava for his part attempted to make a rundown of the donors' list but was cut-off due to time constraint. In the entire exchange, Espinosa aide, former Board Member Gerry Yucon appeared somber and void of any reaction. The lawyer in Nava's company, on the other hand, would motion to the debate moderator, anchorman Henry Lumawag to signal intent of his client for a rebuttal.
At one point that online messages were read, Espinosa was observed to have smiled when a critic attacked his supposed absence in the island.
"Not true, wrong impression really," Espinosa reacted as he explained that every weekend he actually goes back to Guimaras and meet his constituents, a practice that he has since done, elections or not.
Nava for his part got pro and anti sentiments that mostly hit on his supposed lack of appropriate action for the province.
In the end, the two promised to bring Guimaras to greater heights, deliver needed infrastructure works, livelihood and progress here.
At the end of the debate, Nava was first to approach Espinosa and extend his hand for a handshake. Espinosa replied with a smile acknowledging his presence saying "Gov" while taking Nava's hand almost as if they just met each other.
Meantime it was ‘star-studded' in ABS-CBN Iloilo yesterday as top Ilonggo officials gathered for the "Sambuwa 2007."
On live television, lawyer and TV personality Joebert Peñaflorida moderated a lively exchange of congressionables in the First and Third Districts of Iloilo. Also present for their respective turns were reelectionist City Councilors Perla Zulueta and Ed Peñaredondo and Third District Board Member-contenders in Maasin Mayor Mar Malones, lawyer Joseph "Jojo" Lutero, Engineer Pepe Peñaflorida and lawyer Arthur "Toto" Defensor Jr, son of reelectionist Congressman Arthur Defensor.
First on the limelight were Congressman Defensor and lawyer Zafiro Lauron who lost no time in livening the exchange.
Lauron's battlecry was for a change in leadership and voice in Congress given what he said was his opponent's lack of concrete plans particularly in poverty alleviation and broken promises made to the people.
Defensor appeared unperturbed and amused when he made his comeback saying Lauron has a "bad concept on the role of a Congressman."
"The job of a congressman is to pass laws," while adding that he does not take on the responsibilities of the Executive Department.
"Tam-an naman ka underestimate ni Atty. Lauron hinimuan ko (Atty. Lauron is really undermining what I have done)," he also quipped.
Defensor is chairman of the powerful House Committee on Good Government and Senior Deputy Majority Floor Leader with over a decade in public service including his stint as Iloilo Governor.
The contender, former critic turned ally of Governor Niel Tupas, Lauron also found time to justify his change of heart in joining Tupas while vowing that he is personally against graft and strongly condemns corruption. He also referred to his opponent as "Nong Art."
At the end of their segment, Lauron left rather hurriedly after shaking the hands of those present inside the studio including his "Nong Art."
Next on camera were giants of the First District in Miag-ao Mayor Gerry Flores and reelectionist Congresswoman Janette Loreto-Garin.
Flores presented himself not only as the alternative candidate for the over 188,000 voters of the district but as the "better" one while complaining the lack of support and projects.
Garin for her part appealed for yet another term saying as a neophyte Representative in Congress, she has not only represented her District but the entire country in various appearances abroad.
She also spoke in the local dialect as she addressed point by point the issues and questions raised for and against her.
(To be continued: Part two on City Councilors Zulueta and Peñaredondo and the Third District Board Member-contenders)