IN A presidential debate sponsored by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) dubbed Pilipinas 2022 Presidential Debates-The Turning Point held at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, nine candidates appeared sans Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,

The topic of political dynasty was given. Senator Ping Lacson argued that the Constitution prohibits political dynasties but there is a lack of an enabling law to totally block them.

Senator Manny Pacquiao argued that in a democracy enjoyed by the Philippines, one cannot prohibit people from running for public office without restraining their rights.

Father, mother, sister, brother, grandfather, grandmother -- all run for various public posts that compose political dynasties. There is no stopping them that in the course of time they just exchange places in order to circumvent the prohibition prescribed by law on term limits and thus perpetuate themselves in power.

The candidates were asked if the corruption in government is due to human weakness of the system's flaws.

Workers' candidate Leody de Guzman said it is the inherent human weakness that gives a window for corruption.

Dr./Atty. Jose Montemayor argued it is the inherent system's weakness which allows individuals to commit corruption.

Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" cited Manila's approach: no human intervention in transactions that denies corruption by the city hall's employees. He said he would adopt the system of automation to rein in corruption.

Sen. Pacquiao blasted government and its employees as blatant in their ways in committing corruption.

On the issue of illegal drugs, he said he will build a mega prison for the pushers/distributors and jail them without hesitation!

Dr./Atty. Montemayor said he will drastically lessen the supply of illegal drugs to lessen the demand for them.

Vice President Leni Robredo said it is about right to apprehend, charge and imprison the drug dealers who victimize users of the illegal drugs.

As before, presidential candidate, former senator Bongbong Marcos was absent, prompting Commissioner George Garcia to comment that the Comelec must pass legislation to censure absentees in the Comelec-sponsored debates. Disqualification is one penalty advanced by Garcia.