Aquino, Santiago open to address questions in forum

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Mayoralty candidates Dr. Rey Aquino and incumbent Vice Mayor Edwin Santiago said Tuesday they are open to public discourse facilitated by the media to address issues and discuss their platforms.

The two candidates expressed their willingness to open their political positions to public scrutiny during Tuesday’s peace covenant signing at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando.

Former PhilHealth chief Dr. Aquino is running under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) with running mate Rolly Macalino, while Santiago is the standard bearer of the Liberal Party team in the city with running mate Renato Agustin.

Santiago said media forms a significant part in making people aware of the programs and plans of candidates running in this year’s election in the capital city.

He said the forum will also give candidates a chance to explain their development plans.

Meanwhile, Aquino said he is open to such talks and he extends an open invitation to Santiago to meet him in such dialogue to present their programs to the people.

Aquino said he is willing to appear on local television and address issues and explain his team’s political plans.

“I believe that addressing issues with the media is crucial in making the people aware of the quality of candidates running in this year’s election,” Aquino said.

Both Santiago and Aquino are set to meet to appear in a program special of CLTV36.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayoralty candidate Jimmy Lazatin of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) said he also is open to meet his fellow rivals in a public forum to be facilitated by the media.

He said public discussion over the media is essential in making the people aware of the people running in this year’s elections and the kind of programs and qualifications they have.

Lazatin said he is also open to meet the business sector on matters of business concerns.

He said he lauds the possible move of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PamCham) to host discussion events with this year’s candidates.

PamCham vice chairman Rene Romero earlier said that they plan to invite candidates for roundtable discussion with the business sector.

Both officials promised to conduct their upcoming election campaigns peaceful in accordance with the covenant pact witnessed by officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police and representatives from the Protestant churches and Roman Catholic Church here.