ADMU launches Fact Check 2013 for midterm polls

MANILA, Philippines - The Ateneo de Manila University, through the Political Democracy and Reforms (PODER) program of the Ateneo School of Government initiated an election-related project called "Fact Check 2013" last April 16. 

In Fact Check 2013, faculty members and researchers studied the senatorial candidates' positions, stands and history on five main issues under the Aquino administration- the Reproductive Health Bill, the Sin Tax law, the impeachment of former Chief Justice Renato Corona, the prosecution of the former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and former President Gloria Arroyo, and the Framework Agreement for the Bangsamoro. 

“Elections should serve as a viable means for citizens to interact and dialogue with both their current and prospective leaders” said lawyer Jaime Hofileña, Vice President for Social Development of the Ateneo de Manila University. 

Hofilena added that the veracity and quality of information provided by the candidates are crucial since it is upon those data that will serve as voters' basis in making their decision. 

On its launching day, FactCheck speakers presented the stands of the two political parties, Team Pnoy and the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) on coalition politics and the Freedom of Information Bill. PODER's program director, Professor Joy Aceron and Professor Raymond Raneses of the Political Science Department led the discussion. 

“Ideally, they form coalitions out of similar platforms and principles” Aceron said. 

At large, members of Team Pnoy showed support for the current administration. Aceron said members of UNA are not the new opposition since their stance on these subjects are really different and they have no unified stand on the administration's reform agenda and issues. 

The top 20 leading candidates' position on the Freedom of Information Bill was also discussed, and nine of them either co-authored or co-sponsored the bill. These are Loren Legarda, Alan Peter Cayetano, AntonioTrillanes IV, Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan, Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Richard Gordon in the Senate, and Risa Hontiveros, Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Jose Victor “JV” Ejercito in the House of Representatives. Chiz Escudero, Koko Pimentel, Jack Enrile and Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay showed and voted in support of the FOI.

Nancy Binay, Cynthia Villar, Bam Aquino, Grace Poe, Jun Magsaysay, Ernesto Maceda, and Margarita “TingTing” Cojuangco have no track records of their positions regarding the FOI. 

In the RH law, Trillanes, Villar and Pimentel opposed the stand of the administration. Escudero, meanwhile, opposed the stand of the administration regarding the Sin Tax law. 

“This is an interesting area of inquiry as to the basis of the position of Escudero but take note that he was one of the guest candidates of UNA initially. And this is where we are thinking that internal dynamics in the administration could also be a factor,” said Aceron.

In the cases of Gutierrez and Arroyo, everyone agrees with the government's position.

With regard to the Framework Agreement for the Bangsamoro, all are supportive, except for Aquino who does not have a clear stand.

Fact Check 2013 intends to have their second discussion on April 25. (Aicha Enriquez/ philstar.com trainee)