Look at bets’ track records, voters told

Friday, 15 January 2010 00:00
BY CRIS G. ODRONIA REPORTER



Original Story: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/component/content/article/42-rokstories/9685-look-at-bets-track-records-voters-told


Two candidates for president in the 2010 elections agreed on what the public should consider in choosing the next leader of the country—experience and competence.

During a forum held at the Asian Institute Management (AIM) in Makati City on Thursday, Sen. Manuel “Manny” Villar said it was important for voters to look at track records of candidates. Villar banners the Nacionalista Party in this year’s race to Malacañang.

Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon said that such records of the candidates are essential in picking the new president of the Philippines.

Actions, not words, are what the country needs most now, added Gordon, the standard-bearer of Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines.

“You ask us what we can do but you also have to ask us if we can do these things. That is why it is very important for us to establish that we can do all of these things that we are saying. What we [did] in the past, what we demonstrated in the past, what was our experience and what we showed in the past” are important, Villar said.

The public should also analyze if a candidate could deliver on all his promises, he added, “because, otherwise, you can just get a speech writer to prepare your agenda, read it with passion and then appear like you can do it.”

“For example, if you say you will reduce corruption, you will change society, can you really do it? Have you changed anything in your life?” Villar asked.

During an interview after the forum, he said that he was not referring only to Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Jr., also a candidate for president but who was unable to attend the forum.

Former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, also during the forum, said that the challenge to the next president is to provide an example that he could lead the country fairly and clearly.

“Change, first and foremost, is something that is collective, not individual. The paradox is you can promise everything but the Filipinos’ skepticism to change must first be overcome through the building of trust and confidence in the leader,” he added.

WITH REPORT FROM JEFFERSON ANTIPORDA


Original Story: http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/component/content/article/42-rokstories/9685-look-at-bets-track-records-voters-told