Despite the issues it hurdled, the virtual debate organized by the University of the Philippines Law Alumni Association - Negros Occidental Chapter will push through today, January 15.
“We are all set to proceed with our virtual debate in town hall format, as planned,” the organizers said in a statement, adding that all representatives of the local candidates have been briefed during our technical run.
The organizers, however, failed to reach the camp of Maria Socorro Sibulan Okada, who is one of the challengers of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson along with former Bacolod Representative Juan Orola, they said.
The group said that they look forward to hosting the candidates' debate via Zoom although Bacolodnons and Negrenses may watch it via Facebook live through facebook.com/lasallebcd.
Earlier, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who is seeking reelection, suggested that the debate should instead be done face-to-face.
Leonardia’s debate coordinator George Zulueta said the term “debate” would become a “misnomer” if done virtually saying that the camp of former Negros Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez, who is also running for mayor of Bacolod, may be aided by a teleprompter.
In reply, Benitez said he is ready to “face anyone anytime and anywhere” in using whatever platforms.
In defense, the debate organizers said that they have consistently communicated with those who have misunderstood their mechanics and those who insist on their preferred format by responding to them directly in private.
“We hope that you are as excited as we are as we collaboratively provide a platform for the public to know who the candidates are, their positions on certain issues and to help them make informed choices in the lead up to the May 2022 elections,” the organizers said.
“We also hope that all our invited candidates will grace our event and give the voters of Bacolod and Negros Occidental, who confer power upon our elective public officials, the honor and privilege of this opportunity for engagement on Saturday,” they added.
Commission on Elections commissioner Rowena Guanzon will open the event and will be followed immediately by the debate of the candidates for mayor and then by the candidates for governor.
The debate will have three-segments, which included the asking of questions of sectoral representatives, the reading of questions from the public sent through https://bit.ly/BacolodNegrosDebate and the candidates themselves asking each other.