CEBU, Philippines - The Cebuanos will get a first hand look at the presidential aspirants today in a forum dubbed as “Choices and Voices for 2010: An Encounter with the Presidentiables,” at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.
Six hopefuls have been invited to the forum that starts at 4 p.m. and runs until 6 p.m.
This forum is jointly organized by three major business organizations — Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), and the Cebu Business Club (CBC) in partnership with the Aboitiz Equity Ventures and the Visayan Electric Company (VECO).
At 8 p.m., there will also be a demonstration of the automated elections to be done by SMARTMATIC-TIM.
The six presidential aspirants, who have confirmed to attend, are Sen. Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III of the Liberal Party, former president Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro Jr. of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas, Sen. Manuel Villar of the Nationalista Party and Sen. Richard Gordon of Bagumbayan Party.
Socio-political issues will be tackled in the two-hour forum that will be aired live by several radio stations and beamed live by SkyCable TV over channel 15.
There are limited seats available at the CICC and those attending are advised to be there at least an hour before the event starts.
Cebuano businessman Manuel ‘Bunny’ Pages will be the moderator of the forum.
He is the CEO and Chairman of Pages Holdings Inc.
Dilaab Foundation, Cebu Bankers Club, Philexport-Cebu, Philippine Retailers Association, Ateneo Graduate School of Business-Cebu Core Group, different local chambers and sectoral groups in the Visayas and the leading universities in Cebu are the groups that signified their interest to participate in the forum.
For security reasons, the organizers will strictly enforce the no ticket-no entry policy.
The entrance gate will be open at 1 p.m. while the plenary hall will be strictly closed at 3:30 p.m.
Only 250 supporters per party with IDs can be accommodated inside the Summit Hall.
Event Chairman Carmel de Pio-Salvador said, “Thousands of supporters are also expected to gather at CICC’s parking lot to witness the Presidential Forum.”
“Security arrangements are underway to ensure an orderly and safe event,” Salvador added.
Gene Gregorio, PR manager of SMARTMATIC-TIM Corporation said, “As we move closer to the Election Day, SMARTMATIC-TIM and COMELEC are now undertaking a massive and nationwide effort to educate voters from all sectors on the automated process of voting.
“We are pleased that our company will get a chance to demonstrate the use of PCOS machine before an audience of well-respected businessmen and community leaders in Cebu.” —/NLQ (FREEMAN NEWS)