Institutionalizing debates for national candidates
HOW can you do a debate for 62 senatorial candidates? With the campaign period for national candidates already in motion, many have noticed several networks airing debates of some senatorial candidates. However, it would be better if there would be a wholistic approach to having senatorial debates to better inform the electorate. To go beyond the soundbites and catchy one-liners. To discuss issues that matter to the everyday Filipinos, addressing their concerns.
But the question seems to be, “How do you conduct a debate for 62 senatorial candidates?” as there is no way a debate can be done with 62 participants. Why not do an organized series of debates that runs through the campaign period? A fixed schedule where the electorate already knows when to set aside their time to make sure they’ll be able to watch the debates? A fixed day and time where the candidates have advance information on the dates so they can factor it in their campaign sorties, to ensure they’ll be able to attend the Comelec-organized event.
If there are 62 candidates, the most logical thing to do is divide the field into 5 batches. Each batch will have 12 senatorial candidates, a decent number of participants where each one can probably adequately explain his/her views/stands on certain issues and topics. The five debates can be scheduled throughout the campaign period (or what’s left of it – there’s still more than 60 days left).
How does one determine what batch he/ she will participate in? Why not do a lottery system for choosing which slot you will join? At a time and date set by Comelec, the candidates will pick a number which corresponds to what debate he/she will join. If the batch he/she chooses falls on a date the candidate cannot attend, right there and then, the candidate can manifest, and request another schedule. But the candidate will still be joining the series. What this means is that, by the end of the raffle, all candidates will already know what dates to set aside for the debate he/she will participate in. A press release can then be issued to all the major news organizations to inform the public, which will allow them to know when the candidates they’re considering on voting for, will participate, so they can watch.
How can this be done? Well, it has to have the cooperation and support of the major TV and radio networks, which will host and air the debates. It also needs the support of the news organizations to not only cover the debates, but also promote the debates, to encourage the voters to watch the telecast, and also do stories on what happens during the debates, and the issues discussed therein.
When can the debates be held? I defer to the judgment of the networks who know when best to air the debates, based on their viewership, on what’s the optimal time to conduct it. Ideally though, each debate should be held once a week. Each of the five dates should be scheduled on the same hour of the same day for all weeks. This is for consistency. People will know when to expect when the debates will air, so they can make modifications to their scheduled to adjust accordingly.
Who will host? Comelec should sit down with the major TV networks. Each network can host one leg of the debate. By doing so, the TV networks and news publication can consider this as part of the compliance with Sec. 15 of Comelec Resolution No. 10488.
Even if not implemented for the May 13, 2019 elections, I think Comelec should consider this as a possible framework for implementation in future elections, starting with the 2022 presidential elections.
Would it not make sense, if we spend more time vetting the candidates we will be voting for, as compared to the time we consume in choosing where to eat our next meal?