Tag: debate

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Lacson: ‘Debate’ on Kalayaan Islands May Affect Pag-Asa Island Residents

The debate proposed by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on whether the Kalayaan Island Group belongs to the Philippines may not only be agonizing and pointless, but could also potentially affect the basic right of abode of the Filipinos already living there, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson said Tuesday.

Lacson thus appealed to retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and University of the Philippines professor Atty. Jay Batongbacal to spare Filipinos from such a debate.

“An earnest appeal to Justice Tony Carpio and Atty Jay Batongbacal:
Let’s spare our countrymen, especially our ‘kababayans’ from Barangay Pag-asa, KIG, Palawan from the agony of another pointless debate that might put into question their basic right of abode,” he said on his X account.

In Filipino: Lacson: ‘Debate’ sa Kalayaan Islands, Maaaring Makaapekto sa mga Residente ng Pag-asa Island

Continue reading “Lacson: ‘Debate’ on Kalayaan Islands May Affect Pag-Asa Island Residents”

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On the Comelec’s Plans for a Hybrid Debate

At least hybrid, hindi lang virtual. Our experiences in our Senate hearings and even sessions tell us that there are many limitations, not to mention technical problems, pag purely virtual or online ang debate.

For one, iba pa rin ang physically engaged ang mga kandidato, lalo na sa isang debate na inaabangan ng mga Pilipino para makilatis nila nang husto kung sino ba ang iboboto nila upang mamuno sa bansa – kasama na ang demeanor o kilos ng bawat presidential candidate.

Notwithstanding, ensuring safety measures must be our primary concern on political debates and similar gatherings under the New Normal.

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On the Prospective WPS Debate between the President and former Justice Carpio

First, a public debate is always healthy in a democratic environment – as long as it is limited to the issue at hand, and does not go down to the gutter level.

On one hand, a question comes to mind: What do we gain from the debate, assuming that it pushes through? One other dire outcome is further divisiveness that only China will benefit from.

I could almost imagine the anticipated excitement on the part of the Chinese while watching all these developments as they continue to be busy surveying more shoals within our exclusive economic zone that they can build more garrisons to pursue their expansionist agenda in the West Philippines Sea.

That said, the hype surrounding the debate should not distract us into allowing the Chinese to sneak into our territory while we argue among ourselves. That would be the last thing we need for our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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