Analysts: Presidentiables should focus on economy

CEBU, Philippines - The panel of analysts during the presidential forum at the Cebu International Convention Center late last month said that the aspirants were not able to answer specifically issues pertaining to the economy and poverty.

The six panelists were at the presidential forum dubbed as "Choices and Voices for 2010, An Encounter with the Presidentiables." They were tasked by organizers to go over the answers of the presidential aspirants to the questions thrown at them in the forum.

One of the analysts, University of San Carlos Professor Perry Fajardo shared that none of the candidates was able to explain why the country is experiencing various problems like unemployment and poverty rates which he said "remain at high levels.”

He said that this is the reason why many people still experience hunger.

Fajardo pointed out that a framework showing complete answers on how to make our economy grow faster through sustainable and equitable means should have been stated.

He added that "it is not enough to simply build more infrastructures, improve our education and health or fight corruption, like what almost all of them said in the forum in one way or another.

“One also has to show, not only where the money will come from to fund them, but also how they can be really made to work to achieve our overall development objectives."

Also, Fajardo also noted that the candidates probably as not as well-versed about what is happening in the countryside as they are mostly based in the National Capital Region.

Cebu Investment and Promotions Center Executive Director Joel Mari Yu, another analyst, said that no presidentiable was able to answer the main concerns of the country and give solutions to issues like restoring meritocracy, lack of job opportunities, and the problem of outdated and damaged old institutions.

Yu said that there is a need to gain back meritocracy wherein opportunities like jobs, positions and basis of political patronage should be done on merit and the ability of the person to fill in the position based on his competence for the work.

He also emphasized that job opportunities are lacking in the country due to lack of investments caused by the not properly leveled playing field for the business sector, which discourages foreign investors.

Lastly he added that no candidate addressed the concern of reforming the present institutions that are not capable of supporting the present situation and concern of the people and the country.

The other analysts, USC Professor Ricky Poca, University of the Philippines Professor Feliza Etimadi, UP Professor Mike Mende and Columnist Lani Echavez, also gave their views on how the candidates carried themselves throughout the forum and how they were able or not able to give the right answers to questions thrown at them.

The forum was held at the Cebu International Convention Center which was made possible by the three major business groups -- the Cebu Business Club, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry with partners Aboitiz Equity Ventures and the Visayan Electric Company, as well as M. Lhuillier, Ateneo Graduate School of Business who took head of the mock election and DILAAB foundation headed by Fr. Carmelo Diola.

MCCI President Eric Ng Mendoza said that while they will not be endorsing any presidentiable or political aspirant, they are happy to be know that they were able to do their part in helping people have the chance to know who they are voting for.

He said that given the reactions that they got from the forum, it is a good indication that the people were affected with what the candidates shared during the forum and hopefully would help them make the right choice.

CBC President Gordon Alan Joseph said that they are hoping to get the mayoralty candidates for Metro Cebu in a forum, though it would be done on a one on one basis.

Joseph said that so far, they have not heard of platforms from the mayoralty candidates and they hope that through a forum, the aspiring candidates would be able to share what they plan for the city.

"We would like to hear from them and we would like to know how the private sector can help. We need to know why we need to vote for them." –AJ dela Torre /NLQ

(THE FREEMAN)