Monday, April 16, 2007 Oro Congress bets cautious on issues By Danilo V. Adorador III
CONGRESSIONAL candidates in Cagayan de Oro's first district battled wits over the weekend, in a live radio debate where they take on primary issues dominating Congress today.
Aired and hosted by the local Bombo Radyo station, the two-hour debate saw the aspirants blending and diverging on issues, like the death penalty, oil deregulation law, political dynasty and the anticipated impeachment complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when the House opens its first session.
Being the fulcrum for impeachment complaints, some House aspirants treaded cautiously in tackling the issue--mindful of voters who decide based on the candidate's position on the matter.
Vice Mayor Michelle Spiers, the administration's bet, said she was neither for nor against impeachment--at this time-- preferring to decide only when specific charges are actually filed.
The complaint's sufficiency in form and in substance should remain the basis for consenting or denying an impeachment charge, Spiers added.
Former Assemblyman and celebrated broadcaster Reuben Canoy also sounded indefinite on the issue, saying he would bring back the impeachment question to his constituents.
"Congressmen are the spokesmen of the people in their districts. They should carry the voice of the constituents," Canoy said.
He also took a dig at outgoing Cagayan de Oro Rep. Constantino Jaraula for not "consulting the people on his stand on the impeachment issue." Jarauala, who is the administration's mayoral bet, is a staunch supporter of Pres. Arroyo in the House.
Independent candidate Henry Bacal, a former Cagayan de Oro vice mayor, gave a definite answer, saying he would reject the impeachment complaint "for the sake of the economy," instead prefering the Senate's subpoena power to investigate allegations against Arroyo and her family.
At least two candidates were put in a precarious situation when confronted with the political dynasty issue.
Soriano, a protégé of Senator Aquilino Pimentel whose son Koko is running for the same seat, said he opposed political dynasty, but added that the Pimentel's case can be an "exception to the rule."
Canoy, meanwhile, has a son running for councilor in the first district, and a daughter running for mayor.
Nevertheless, he said the first bill he would file in Congress would be against political dynasty.
Charter change, an issue that united opposition groups when Malacañang aggressively pursued it before withdrawing late last year, appeared to have gained grounds even from the opposition candidate.
Soriano, who heads the local Black and White Movement which campaigned against the Malacañang-inspired People's Initiative, said he favors changing the Charter through a Constitutional convention.
All other candidates favored amending the 1986 Charter--although differing which part should be revised--except for lawyer Bong Montesa of the Liberal Party.
Two other candidates, Councilor Annie Daba of Kampi and Barangay Carmen Chairperson Rolando Uy, an independent, chose not to join the debate.
