Election issues
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Although the “fanfare” of this year’s national elections has been underway since last year, the official six-month election period kicked off just last Jan. 10. The Omnibus Election Code defines this period as “90 days before the election” and “30 days thereafter.” This year, the Commission on Elections moved the election period earlier. Expect candidates to level up on their visibility among voters to remind them when they work on their ballots come May 9. Today, our readers talk about issues that they think candidates should give attention to, instead of throwing stink and mud at each other.
Corruption in the government must be one of the topics presidential candidates debate on. This problem is passed from generation to generation. Problems like this in the government are the main causes of many other problems that face us today. — Mary Mae Malaras, 18, business administration student (USJ-R)
They should also talk on the issue of the cultural identity of the Filipino. As we embrace globalization, more and more Western values are being introduced to us Filipinos that may create conflict between our traditional (good) Filipino values. And for me, this can cause gaps and differences between the rich and the poor. — John Symon Bailon, 24, business development comptroller
Constitutional change or having a parliamentary form of government should be a topic for debate. People should be given an idea on each presidential bet’s point of view on the complete change, its benefits and disadvantages. Peace and order concerns and graft and corruption will follow and will be dealt with properly if there is a steady plan and forum on the realization of a new form of government. — Kristian Rey Rubi, 28, OFW
I would like the candidates to debate on how to eliminate corruption and drug problems in our country. It is because these are hindering the growth of our country and drug related problems have been shaking our peace and order and destroying the future of our youth. — Inna Isabela Te, 20, architecture student (USC)