Political Education Fora 2022, An Avenue For Candidates To Show Their Platforms

The Political Education Fora is a group initiative of the Archdiocesan Political Education Committee which happened on April 25-28, 2022, from 7:00 – 9:00PM in Ateneo De Davao University where candidates from different positions were invited to join the daily forum, however some candidates were not able to attend due to conflict of schedules. The said fora were also live-streamed at DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM – Davao Facebook page and Radio broadcast.

On April 25, the first day of Fora, mayoralty candidates were invited, but only Atty. Ruy Lopez joined. For his opening statement, Atty. Ruy was questioned, “Unsa, ang naka pa-aghat kanimo sa pagdagan?”. Atty. Ruy stated that he is running for mayor for three reasons. First, he wants people to have options while voting because there were none in the previous four elections. Second, he has already fulfilled his obligation as a father because his three children have graduated from college; therefore, he has MORE TIME and third, the same people and families have run for public office. According to him, political dynasties are bad for local government in Davao City because there would be no check and balance in place, leading to no investigation if a family member is found to be an anomaly.

If chosen, Atty. Ruy’s focus will be on the citizen’s needs like healthcare, providing the example of having available doctors per barangay daily. Also, with a strategic partnership with the youth and how to make education available for everyone by adding more public colleges.

For the second day of the forum, April 26, 2022, Congressional Candidates from three districts were invited to come, but only two from District 1 were able to attend who were: Jamal Kanan and Mags Maglana which are both independent candidates. They were asked in their opening statement what inspired or motivated them to run for the position. Jamal Kanan was the first to speak up, saying that he felt sympathy for his fellowmen during the pandemic. He also has strong connections, a solid platform, and a well-thought-out plan to address the city’s issues. Mags Maglana soon after introduced herself and stated her reasons for running: 1) She wants people to have more options when voting. 2) The city’s problems are worsening and must be addressed. 3) It had been 85 years since a woman had served in Congress and 4) The government requires a system of checks and balances, which will be challenging to implement if the people in charge have the same surnames which was similar to Atty. Ruy’s concern. The highlight of this forum was when Br. Noelvic H. Deloria, S.C asked the candidates what their plans and priorities were. Jamal Kanan answered that we need to make money because we can buy what the people need if we have money. Mags Maglana, on the other hand, provided concrete answers concerning the informal economy. She also said that the people don’t need the ayuda or cash assistance; what they need is a better livelihood and dignity in working.

On the third day of the forum, April 27, 2022, Councilor candidates for District 1 were invited but because of prior schedule only 5 out of 16 candidates were present in the forum. Bernie Al-ag, Lyndon Banzon, Pilar Braga, Allan Halog and Randy Ponteras were the ones who were present.

If elected, Al-ag would give company owners tax breaks and look towards eliminating or reducing regulatory fees. He also indicated that obtaining a business permit would be made easier. He would also offer interest-free loans for small businesses if the City Government could afford it. He would set up a fund for tree planting and ensure that the plants grew after they were planted. Al-ag’s strategy for the youth is to create an innovation center in the city.

If elected, Lyndon Banzon will implement a thorough drainage plan, with the business sector benefiting first. He plans to use sanctions and education to address climate change challenges in the city.

Pilar Braga on the other hand, believes that in order to create a highly favorable economic climate for the city, we must enact the required rules and regulations. She added that at the time being, there are conversations about raising taxes, and she is one of the opponents. Braga claimed she has already prepared ordinances on environmental issues such as single-use plastic, conserving Davao City’s heritage trees, and restricting and outlawing the use of LED-free paints. In terms of youth programming, Braga claims that she has already passed legislation, which includes the development of the City College of Davao, which will assist the young in graduating and prioritizing college.

According to Allan Halog, the local government should prioritize the poor and small companies because it has a trillion-dollar budget. If elected, he will make it a priority to allocate funds to schools so that students can attend a lecture or learn about climate change through the curriculum.

According to Randy Ponteras, the council needs to start programs that benefit business owners, such as providing them money. People who live in high-risk areas should be able to live in a secure environment. He hopes that if the government creates a new community, it will be climate resilient and promote environmental awareness, with government action. If elected, he will assemble a team of experts from several fields to address the issue, with public input.

On the last day of Fora, April 28, 2022, District 2 candidates were in the forum. Five out of Fifteen candidates were present.

If elected, Reyvan Abad will help the business sector regain their loss in the business, he would establish ordinances that would help small businesses. Abad also says the government should start teaching the youth on how to make a living by making an ordinance: The youth entrepreneurship act.

Eller Bantugan would strengthen cooperatives to help the micro businesses and support their needs. Bantugan said in order to be ready for fourth industrial revolution the operation of laws which were already made are what we need.

As a coach, Pao Salvador will contribute to the business through sports tourism. She sees this as an opportunity to make the business sector rebuild their loses with the pandemic.

Joel Bustamante as a businessman would monitor the application of business permits. He would also focus on education to strengthen the fourth industrial revolution.

Bong Batenga would focus on education and business sector and fight for the indigenous peoples’ rights.

People who are watching Facebook live expressed their gratitude to the organizers of the Fora which are found in the comment section because most of them do not know who the candidates are. This Fora is truly a great help for the people to choose who to vote in this coming election. (Erielle Ferrando)