Pinoy Buzz: #PiliPinasDebates2016

Did Mar Roxas receive leakage from ABS-CBN?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas II has been accused of receiving questions from ABS-CBN prior to the third presidential debates held on Sunday, April 24.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnDzrfhc6SM-ksh0Sih7H1ls2utjJdwKIh0MXu2Zw_o5yyc0qJEz1Enktfj0nK8hliB7EcGJ64KDSd-pgZ2vuULFVJt_uK0z42hv4sZsl_7Uvi4bGhEOkTM9VHTImRD-7D0b1lNyi0LUT/s1600/mar-roxas-scripted-answers-debate.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Netizens ask ABS-CBN on alleged debate leakage." border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnDzrfhc6SM-ksh0Sih7H1ls2utjJdwKIh0MXu2Zw_o5yyc0qJEz1Enktfj0nK8hliB7EcGJ64KDSd-pgZ2vuULFVJt_uK0z42hv4sZsl_7Uvi4bGhEOkTM9VHTImRD-7D0b1lNyi0LUT/s640/mar-roxas-scripted-answers-debate.jpg" title="Netizens ask ABS-CBN on alleged debate leakage." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"> Netizens ask ABS-CBN on alleged cheating during the debate. Photo screengrab from Youtube.</td></tr></tbody></table>According to netizens who alleged presidential debates host ABS-CBN of conspiring with Roxas, questions were apparently leaked as Roxas seemed more prepared compared to his opponents and was able to cite specific data and case studies. Moreover, netizens noted that Roxas received questions that built his character and reputation. <br /><br />“While Miriam Santiago groped for answers, many debate observers noticed how Mar answered the questions so eloquently with all the facts and figures to support his arguments and fitting the time allotted to him,” according to an article of a <a href="http://aboutstuff-stuff.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blogsite</a>.<br /><br />Moreover, a certain Nylede Flores uploaded a video flashing the caption for Roxas’ statement which appeared just before he delivered it. The said video is no longer available as of this writing due to a copyright claim by ABS-CBN.<br /><br />In the video, a few seconds before Roxas stated: “Sa karanasan, binabangga ko ang mga malalaking interes…,” the caption: “Roxas: Binangga ko ang mga malalaking interes.” was displayed on screen. Critics of Roxas insisted that this would only be possible if the chargen operator received a copy of Roxas’ answers to the debate questions in advance.<br /><br />“So, what possibly happened was 1.) the Roxas camp was given a leak of the questions to be asked; 2) the Roxas camp prepared answers to the questions; 3) the prepared answers were given to the technical group handling the coverage thus allowing the chargen operator to type the blurbs and post these almost simultaneously with Roxas’ answers,”  political writer and former North Cotabato governor Manny Piñol wrote on his Facebook page.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowtransparency="“true”" frameborder="0" height="354" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D1010116299070839%26id%3D351448724937603&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe></center><br />However, an article for Fight for Mar dispelled netizens’ allegations that Roxas cheated during the presidential debate. <br /><br />“The video attached ONLY shows Mar saying it the second time as he concluded his statement. He started with the same phrase. It was only at the end when the text appeared,” the article said. <br /><br />Moreover, the article pointed out that Mar confidently answered the debate questions since he had discussed the same issues such as internet access, institutionalized scholarships, clean energy, justice system, transportation and other issues in the past.<br /><br />Do you think Mar Roxas was given questions prior to the debate? Watch the video replay (head over to 2:11:00 to 2:11:33).<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/950g5hwtAv8" width="600"></iframe></center><b><br /></b><b>--Mini, The Summit Express</b></div>

Did Mar Roxas receive leakage from ABS-CBN?

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas II has been accused of receiving questions from ABS-CBN prior to the third pre...

FULL VIDEO REPLAY: Comelec-ABS-CBN 3rd PiliPinas Debates 2016

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - All five candidates have attended the third and final presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" at the Phinma-University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City on Sunday, April 24, 2016. The full video replay of this townhall debate courtesy of ABS-CBN is available on this page.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSdIhS2n7x8HMcxWqsYQck6DJkWMStVVocJefTRg5x527mLHK5Fc_QDQrNtbV-DjzzXmsH7S9iP9iNF2iV4xfyjk8TPMeknDW5OrPRAT8JwfBO2RrPFvS5neQ8cC48W3p-o9roS1DpHxA/s1600/pilipinas-debates-2016-replay.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSdIhS2n7x8HMcxWqsYQck6DJkWMStVVocJefTRg5x527mLHK5Fc_QDQrNtbV-DjzzXmsH7S9iP9iNF2iV4xfyjk8TPMeknDW5OrPRAT8JwfBO2RrPFvS5neQ8cC48W3p-o9roS1DpHxA/s640/pilipinas-debates-2016-replay.JPG" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Manila Bulletin</td></tr></tbody></table>Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, and former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas battled for the last time in the Luzon leg of the PiliPinas 2016 Debate series.<br /><br /><b>WATCH: Here's the full video replay of PiliPinas Debates 2016 (video courtesy of ABS-CBN).</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="330" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4xmWLEf3ap4" width="600"></iframe></center><br />Issues that were tackled in the debate include metro traffic and public transport, job security, health, foreign policy, basic public education, OFW concerns, and peace for Mindanaoans in conflict areas. <br /><br />In the “Face-Off” round, candidates were given a chance to pose questions to a fellow candidate. In the Fast Talk segment, presidential bets gave their quick opinion and answer on some relevant issues.<br /><br />ABS-CBN, Manila Bulletin, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) have partnered to set the final showdown of Presidential Town Hall Debate series two weeks before the May 9 elections.<br /><br />Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said he hoped the event will become a regular addition in future elections. “It will now become a tradition that will also be observed in succeeding elections,” Bautista said.<br /><br />“The Dagupan debate is the most proximate to the election day and I am sure whatever will transpire will have more influence in the minds of the voters,” KBP Board Chairman Herman Basbaño said.<br /><br />On February 21, the first run of the debate series held at Cagayan de Oro City was organized by GMA-7. On March 20, TV5 staged the debate at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu. The latter became controversial due to misunderstanding of rules between a candidate and TV5.<br /><br />Who do you think won the third and final #PiliPinasDebates2016? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.</div>

FULL VIDEO REPLAY: Comelec-ABS-CBN 3rd PiliPinas Debates 2016

MANILA, Philippines - All five candidates have attended the third and final presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016"...

LIVESTREAM: 3rd and Final PiliPinas Debates 2016 on ABS-CBN video now up

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The third and final leg of presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" happens today, April 24, 2016 at the Student Plaza of Phinma-University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City. ABS-CBN, the broadcast partner mounts full livestream of this townhall debate.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmbH88spzVy3bM7uRBSTU7cahc-XXbR5xh5A_h8GTY0IeeHwvjKG-IbBByvkmldgXODLHbh1ruAdfle2hwqleQLvPDhwoyvF3W18pn_YvmLzy7750b5euvsL0YTDUto0a1MSEniK6M4-I/s1600/PiliPinas-Debates-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="3rd and Final PiliPinas Debates 2016 on ABS-CBN video now up" border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmbH88spzVy3bM7uRBSTU7cahc-XXbR5xh5A_h8GTY0IeeHwvjKG-IbBByvkmldgXODLHbh1ruAdfle2hwqleQLvPDhwoyvF3W18pn_YvmLzy7750b5euvsL0YTDUto0a1MSEniK6M4-I/s640/PiliPinas-Debates-2016.jpg" title="3rd and Final PiliPinas Debates 2016 on ABS-CBN video now up" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />ABS-CBN, Manila Bulletin, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) set the final showdown of PiliPinas 2016 Presidential Town Hall Debate series two weeks before the May 9 elections.<br /><br />Catch the livestream of third Pilipinas Debates 2016 at the University of Pangasinan here (news.abs-cbn.com/live):<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="330" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/950g5hwtAv8" width="600"></iframe></center><br />The pre-program will air at 5:45 p.m. on ABS-CBN. Debate proper begins at 6 p.m. There will also be a “HALALAN 2016 Debate Special” on ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, DZMM/Teleradyo, and News.abs-cbn.com beginning 5pm that will provide in-depth analysis before and after the debate.<br /><br />Note: The full video replay courtesy of ABS-CBN will be available on this page later.<br /><br />Meanwhile, here's the live Twitter feed for the final presidential debate for the 2016 elections:<br /><br /><center><a class="twitter-timeline" data-widget-id="724094222488346624" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#PiliPinasDebates2016 Tweets</a><br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></center><br /><b>All presidential candidates will share the stage for the last time</b><br /><br />ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs chief Regina Reyes has confirmed that all five presidential candidates will attend the debate.<br /><br />Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, and former Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas have all agreed to the format and mechanics of the Luzon leg of the Pili Pinas 2016 Debate series.<br /><br />Miriam who skipped the Visayas leg due to health reason will show up this time. "Oh yeah I will be there!" she told reporters during the commencement exercise at Bulacan State University.<br /><br /><b>Presidential debates topics, format</b><br /><br />Reyes said the Comelec debate will use <b>townhall format</b> as this would allow regular people to ask the candidates of some pressing issues of the society.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdfnLU3aAqCKAzrayIOb80EVqP_GXghLLJQpMk-H2Kyz3qPCj8oEGFKwmdBb7RLIYPiBt8-fRHTlH7-Wi-a2WE0oZql-9DzcHDpKwy_N4a1pm4bFuTnxucxEK1562aVDd-8tsdlJiAJto/s1600/PiliPinas-debates-2016-abs-cbn.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="presidential townhall debate" border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdfnLU3aAqCKAzrayIOb80EVqP_GXghLLJQpMk-H2Kyz3qPCj8oEGFKwmdBb7RLIYPiBt8-fRHTlH7-Wi-a2WE0oZql-9DzcHDpKwy_N4a1pm4bFuTnxucxEK1562aVDd-8tsdlJiAJto/s640/PiliPinas-debates-2016-abs-cbn.JPG" title="presidential townhall debate" width="560" /></a></div><br />The topics were carefully selected from entries submitted by the general public to ABS-CBN.<br /><br />Issues that will be tackled in the debate include metro traffic and public transport, job security, health, foreign policy, basic public education, OFW concerns, and peace for Mindanaoans in conflict areas. There will also be a “Face-Off,” where a candidate will pose questions to a fellow candidate.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjm2zPGwP7k" width="560"></iframe></center><br />“We are dubbing it (the debate) as Harapan ng Taong Bayan, where real people with real issues will be able to participate,” ABS-CBN News department representative Francis Toral said.<br /><br />ABS-CBN’s top news anchors Karen Davila and Tony Velasquez will moderate the town hall debate.<br /><br /><b>Debate to be aired live abroad</b><br /><br />This final presidential debate will make use of an open-field venue and be aired abroad live for the first time via ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC). It will also be available via iWantTV.<br /><br />ABS-CBN's presidential debate which run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will also be shown online via live streaming services of Manila Bulletin and ABS-CBN’s online sites.<br /><br /><b>Feedback for the Comelec debate</b><br /><br />Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said he hoped the event will become a regular addition in future elections. “It will now become a tradition that will also be observed in succeeding elections,” Bautista said.<br /><br />“The Dagupan debate is the most proximate to the election day and I am sure whatever will transpire will have more influence in the minds of the voters,” KBP Board Chairman Herman Basbaño said.<br /><br />On February 21, the first run of the debate series held at Cagayan de Oro City was organized by GMA-7. On March 20, TV5 staged the debate at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu. The latter became controversial due to misunderstanding of rules between a candidate and TV5.<br /><br />Who will dominate the third and final #PiliPinasDebates2016? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.</div>

LIVESTREAM: 3rd and Final PiliPinas Debates 2016 on ABS-CBN video now up

MANILA, Philippines - The third and final leg of presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" happens today, April 24, 2...

10 Things To Know About VP Candidate Bongbong Marcos

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Admit it or not, the vice presidential race won’t be making rounds all over if not for the controversies and controversial figures attached on it and one of them is Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. This election, the late dictator’s namesake will make an attempt to restore the lost glory of his family’s name.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhUsQFHq3OgJ32eTc4dBLfYEre6zL_qtgt4fOnKOcuVHD6BxaMe1niggG_KbeV-v55xDIYPP_UznksqM1XcCpp_YaRPcTy8XtohYkzIXAE80H2mWt5LtF4PW_yEC-15K01LTbeCtzYCAP/s1600/bbm-marcos-10-things-special-feature-jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10 Things To Know About VP Candidate Bongbong Marcos" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhUsQFHq3OgJ32eTc4dBLfYEre6zL_qtgt4fOnKOcuVHD6BxaMe1niggG_KbeV-v55xDIYPP_UznksqM1XcCpp_YaRPcTy8XtohYkzIXAE80H2mWt5LtF4PW_yEC-15K01LTbeCtzYCAP/s400/bbm-marcos-10-things-special-feature-jpg.jpg" title="10 Things To Know About VP Candidate Bongbong Marcos" width="400" /></a></div><br />With the enormous support from the youth who mostly were born in the post martial law years, will it be enough to catapult another Marcos to a position that’s just a heartbeat away from the Malacañan?<br /><br />There’s more to his name, know some ten things about vice presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos:<br /><br /><b>1. A veteran in the legislative and executive branches of the government.</b><br /><br />Spanning a total of a quarter century, Marcos held various positions in the government as vice-governor and governor of Ilocos Norte, as congressman of the province's second district and as senator, making him one of the most experienced political figures of the current era with excellent track record in public service.<br /><br /><b>2. Authored the Philippine Archipelagic Baselines Law (Republic Act No. 9522).</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yPsxw8YLXWc7vDg6ZpVesOZwTPQOFB6munsV08F82-lsymJwfFlcKTGHhQJyNLbjFSY8ls1vuJKpFaD0FkdlgoL-m4P-Lx-ugD2ji6q9cN2eamksRTFRySvvT0rJnxoEoier_QFgtLYi/s1600/marcos-fm-bongbong-father-and-son.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bongbong will be an inch away from the presidency, a post that the older Marcos held for two decades." border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yPsxw8YLXWc7vDg6ZpVesOZwTPQOFB6munsV08F82-lsymJwfFlcKTGHhQJyNLbjFSY8ls1vuJKpFaD0FkdlgoL-m4P-Lx-ugD2ji6q9cN2eamksRTFRySvvT0rJnxoEoier_QFgtLYi/s640/marcos-fm-bongbong-father-and-son.jpg" title="Bongbong will be an inch away from the presidency, a post that the older Marcos held for two decades." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Once elected, Bongbong will be an inch away from the presidency, a post that the older Marcos held for two decades. <br />Photo credit: Bongbong Marcos Facebook page</td></tr></tbody></table>While serving in the lower house of congress. The R.A. 9522 indicates the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines which complies with the UNCLOS.<br /><br /><b>3.Transformed Ilocos Norte as first-class province.</b><br /><br />As three-term governor of the province from 1998-2007, Marcos intensively promoted the tourism of Ilocos Norte among local and foreign tourists, making the northern part of Luzon instrumental in pivoting the economy of the country as the province was able to acquire the attention of the global community in terms of generating profit and investments.<br /><br /><b>4. Yes to free market and passage of anti-dynasty law.</b><br /><br />Surprisingly, Marcos who comes from one of the most prominent political families in the Philippines voted "yes" for the passage of anti-dynasty law during the COMELEC organized vice presidential debate. The young Marcos even bragged his role in including an anti-dynasty provision in the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law. Marcos is very much pursuant also to propel the country to a high performing free market economy.<br /><br />WATCH: Marcos’ opening statement during the VP debate (video courtesy of Inquirer.net Youtube account).<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JATHl79NrsM" width="560"></iframe></center><br /><b>5. For mitigation of climate change.</b><br /><br />When the Marcoses came back to local politics, it was Bongbong who helmed the beginning of Ilocos Norte as an energy sufficient province. It was during his term that the province was hailed as a pioneer of renewable energy by constructing the now famous Bangui wind farm. Even today, Marcos believes that the Philippines should do more to combat the effects of climate change.<br /><br /><b>6. For youth empowerment.</b><br /><br />Marcos pioneered the establishment of the Philippine Youth Commission in 1992. It was his first ever law that he authored upon taking his role in the House of Representatives. It allows the youth to take a more proactive approach in nation-building and honing the future of the Filipino youth as effective leaders.<br /><br /><b>7. Well-educated man.</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4IqqzfAYDfb13yaJHj4gls4bxGLodawePoKEP8H3U4UAInYGNWyS7fJv9Su9X5MSwy30k0rrA9Uf4Y7u1BhZ5SHUQCYAA2zn9TbCvNzMm3wuu9yl_GfnVOqPnmyGAVru_fsfIyeps_C9/s1600/college-young-bongbong-marcos-oxford.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marcos attended the Oxford University." border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4IqqzfAYDfb13yaJHj4gls4bxGLodawePoKEP8H3U4UAInYGNWyS7fJv9Su9X5MSwy30k0rrA9Uf4Y7u1BhZ5SHUQCYAA2zn9TbCvNzMm3wuu9yl_GfnVOqPnmyGAVru_fsfIyeps_C9/s640/college-young-bongbong-marcos-oxford.jpg" title="Marcos attended the Oxford University." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Marcos attended the Oxford University. Photo credit: Bongbong Marcos online</td></tr></tbody></table>At a very young age, Marcos was envisioned by his family to take greater responsibilities for the country, thus providing him the opportunity to study overseas. Marcos graduated from the Oxford University with a Special Diploma in Social Studies. After that, he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business for an MBA program but failed to complete the said course as he had to come back to the Philippines to assume his post as Ilocos Norte's Vice Governor at a very young age of 23.<br /><br /><b>8. High performing senator.</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2qOuTg25LIW11QcbdoJ-Gedz1ZIwPc2mPDF1LZSGG5v0t2tF0gSxJPho-fhm7XVqLeuiLeBzMsl8gF5PXn4hL0r_ykngoXFwW96kOFcG4YptNE_vJLYzvo4QTeGldTOJ2vNZntJbeC_w/s1600/bongbong-marcos-senator-senate.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Marcos in action at the senate." border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2qOuTg25LIW11QcbdoJ-Gedz1ZIwPc2mPDF1LZSGG5v0t2tF0gSxJPho-fhm7XVqLeuiLeBzMsl8gF5PXn4hL0r_ykngoXFwW96kOFcG4YptNE_vJLYzvo4QTeGldTOJ2vNZntJbeC_w/s640/bongbong-marcos-senator-senate.jpg" title="Marcos in action at the senate." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Marcos in action at the senate. Photo credit: Senate of the Philippines online</td></tr></tbody></table>Marcos was the author of 34 senate bills and co-authored 17 other bills during his tenure as senator of the republic in the 15th congress. So far in the 16th congress, Marcos already authored 52 bills and co-authored four.<br /><br /><b>9. Values the role of farmers and teachers in the society.</b><br /><br />By dedicating majority of his Countryside Development Fund (CDF) while serving in the congress towards the establishment of cooperatives, Marcos’ gesture was significant to help the workers of the grassroots sector to improve their lives.<br /><br /><b>10. Loves books, movies, his kids and the Beatles.</b><br /><br />Like his fiercest rival Leni Robredo, the 57-year old lawmaker is a book and movie lover and also has three children namely Sandro, Simon and Vincent. On his free time however, the senator also loves to download and watch films aside from reading books. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD_BxqbHYcWuTwS23fuQEQBUFG5XT1KS3LKb2jWxt1Paxd11FJUJeQ4-rHnSjh-GXIvM9j1RO4HR2h3RR3HyLYzuYt6RG-dQjuY0YquigGE8LBC3RlWfwvq5PdQEkRNN-1oFbqgRtTpil/s1600/bongbong-marcos-family.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bongbong with his sons Sandro, Simon and Vincent." border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD_BxqbHYcWuTwS23fuQEQBUFG5XT1KS3LKb2jWxt1Paxd11FJUJeQ4-rHnSjh-GXIvM9j1RO4HR2h3RR3HyLYzuYt6RG-dQjuY0YquigGE8LBC3RlWfwvq5PdQEkRNN-1oFbqgRtTpil/s640/bongbong-marcos-family.jpg" title="Bongbong with his sons Sandro, Simon and Vincent." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Bongbong with his sons Sandro, Simon and Vincent. Photo credit: Bongbong Marcos online</td></tr></tbody></table>Another reason why Bongbong highly revered not only by Ilocanos but a sizeable population of the public is that he's as ordinary like them. Bongbong is a certified Beatle fan, claiming that he has the best collection of the band’s records prior to the EDSA uprising. He even invited Beatle icon Ringo Starr to come back to the Philippines to patch up things between the government and their group. Aside from that, Bongbong knows how to cook sinigang and pinakbet, signs of a bona fide Ilocano!<br /><br /><b>--Michael Santiago, The Summit Express</b></div></div>

10 Things To Know About VP Candidate Bongbong Marcos

Admit it or not, the vice presidential race won’t be making rounds all over if not for the controversies and controversial figures attached ...

10 Things To Know About VP Candidate Leni Robredo

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As the Filipino voters continues to scan the list of the qualifications of the six candidates vying for the second highest post of the land, the race to win the vice presidency has became more interesting than ever.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntehuRnwZMXA-rLoY2alDkd7V-PpSJvJvEFIG5QS39okBXGew5rb044I6SIEzPsVVaWAQheTLzSdnyFv1VYcDfmjvHF4r-OQ2TeVtM2aA2vhMEE54QNTKyVyY1r2CTEe8zK9ly1z6thuP/s1600/leni-robredo-10-things-special-feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10 Things To Know About VP Candidate Leni Robredo" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntehuRnwZMXA-rLoY2alDkd7V-PpSJvJvEFIG5QS39okBXGew5rb044I6SIEzPsVVaWAQheTLzSdnyFv1VYcDfmjvHF4r-OQ2TeVtM2aA2vhMEE54QNTKyVyY1r2CTEe8zK9ly1z6thuP/s400/leni-robredo-10-things-special-feature.jpg" title="10 Things To Know About VP Candidate Leni Robredo" width="400" /></a></div><br />Are Filipinos ready for a second woman as their next vice president? Take a glimpse of Congresswoman Leni Robredo’s life and accomplishments by learning ten interesting facts about her.<br /><br /><b>1. Human rights lawyer.</b><br /><br />As how she always introduces herself, Robredo is just a newbie in the political arena. She's currently on her first term serving as the representative of the third district of Camarines Sur. While her track record in the legislature is just blossoming, Robredo has already proven her name in public service being a human rights lawyer for SALIGAN, an organization that offers free legal assistance to the poor.<br /><br /><b>2. Pushes for zero hunger, shared prosperity and gender equality.</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-gRs8goZCFDPtduY15livD1nWn209t9T6nNX_U6vrwNVait4-JjwGHIKi4LpFz5eJYN3eQ9irqH9AbFC-h55pZuBQPqAwYzGdDzmHhVJbsN381q6F2XEJgESqRxoMFO8ARayfRzGxtL6/s1600/pnoy-mar-leni-tuwid-na-daan.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Robredo promises to continue and improve the “Daang Matuwid” governance. " border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-gRs8goZCFDPtduY15livD1nWn209t9T6nNX_U6vrwNVait4-JjwGHIKi4LpFz5eJYN3eQ9irqH9AbFC-h55pZuBQPqAwYzGdDzmHhVJbsN381q6F2XEJgESqRxoMFO8ARayfRzGxtL6/s640/pnoy-mar-leni-tuwid-na-daan.jpg" title="Robredo promises to continue and improve the “Daang Matuwid” governance. " width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Robredo promises to continue and improve the “Daang Matuwid” governance. <br />Photo credit: Noynoy Aquino Facebook page</td></tr></tbody></table>Part of Robredo's platform is to eradicate hunger, equal distribution of wealth and opportunities all over the country not only in Metro Manila and selected big cities. As a woman and a mother of three, Robredo is aiming for gender equality, allowing women to get equal access to opportunities and enabling people from all walks of life to participate in policy making in their communities.<br /><br /><b>3. Against political dynasties and death penalty.</b><br /><br />Death penalty is not a cure for crime according to Robredo, citing the accomplishments that the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo had accomplished during his tenure as mayor of Naga City. Robredo also wants to put an end in the political dynasty system in the country’s political structure.<br /><br /><b>4. Yes to Freedom of Information Bill, no to contractualization.</b><br /><b><br /></b> Leni Robredo comes from a simple background prior to her ascendancy to power and fame (video courtesy of CNN Philippines.)<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6UvWLebS8KI" width="560"></iframe></center><br />Although Robredo is proposing a "supply-driven" version of FOI to be passed as this will make the government to compulsory provide information of its transactions to the public. Also, she wants to pass the Security of Tenure Bill that will improve the working condition of ordinary workers by halting the long-time practice of contractualization in the workforce. <br /><br /><b>5. An ordinary commuter advocating for "tsinelas leadership."</b><br /><br />Probably what makes Robredo a standout among her rivals in the VP post is that she truly embodies how it’s like to be an ordinary public servant by taking public transport whenever she goes to and from Manila or Naga.<br /><br />She is also known wearing her trademark tsinelas footwear whenever she visits her constituents on her district every week as she believes that she should always have a regular interaction with her people to know their needs.<br /><br /><b>6. Sudoku lover.</b><br /><b><br /></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg09LLvy3k7n_FyRRWmKKU8h2WsagkzlugdT3nKjjCqKS7a2hvI9SvlQV-7qPKZUHuirxBUv5ybF5Dz1z704m8UNG-br5b1VM4S3Uls9J7mt-4mTqzgB9-3EFrsyM_9mHyW3S9mgUZ54Sr/s1600/leni-robredo-family.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Leni with her daughters, Jillian, Tricia and Aika. " border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg09LLvy3k7n_FyRRWmKKU8h2WsagkzlugdT3nKjjCqKS7a2hvI9SvlQV-7qPKZUHuirxBUv5ybF5Dz1z704m8UNG-br5b1VM4S3Uls9J7mt-4mTqzgB9-3EFrsyM_9mHyW3S9mgUZ54Sr/s400/leni-robredo-family.jpg" title="Leni with her daughters, Jillian, Tricia and Aika. " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Leni with her daughters, Jillian, Tricia and Aika. <br />Photo credit: Modern Filipina Magazine online</td></tr></tbody></table>Aside from patronizing the works of famous authors like Tom Clancy and John Grisham, Leni loves to play Sudoku game at home on her free time.<br /><br /><b>7. She could have been a judge.</b><br /><br />Prior to her husband's death, Robredo is almost an inch away from becoming a Regional Trial Court Judge just like her father, unfortunately, the untimely death of Jesse altered the course of her career which eventually pointed her to lead the third district of Camarines Sur in the congress.<br /><br /><b>8. PHP 8.03 million.</b><br /><b><br /></b> According to Robredo herself, she sees the outcome of the VP race favoring her (video courtesy of ABS-CBN News Youtube account.)<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MzeEI4wI0qg" width="560"></iframe></center><br />PHP 8.03 million was the total net worth that Robredo filed on her 2014 SALN, slightly lower than her PHP 8.29 million SALN that she initially filed upon assuming a seat in the congress in 2013. The 2014 figure made her the 49th poorest member of the House of Representatives.<br /><br /><b>9. Tea lover and hands-on mom.</b><br /><br />Green tea to be specific, Leni is known to be a frequent drinker of green tea every morning as she personally packs the things inside the bag of her youngest daughter, Jillian before she sends her to school. Leni also personally plans the itineraries of her family whenever they got the chance to go for out-of-town trips.<br /><br /><b>10. A constructive critic of the administration.</b><br /><br />The 51-year old congresswoman may have been the anointed one of President Aquino and the Liberal Party to assist their standard bearer Mar Roxas to continue the "Daang Matuwid" governance but Robredo has been vocal that aside from the laudable accomplishments of the Aquino administration, there are still more work to do, things to improve and errors that needs to be corrected like putting new faces to helm the disastrous Department of Transportation and Communication.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSe2wpVB84kmnH3b0zLZwW0e7FRstJI6HKmISQ6x5pxbJ0SGq9njy-xDmscFodSw0wlck-fpS2yXiFPEeLgPruVSF65G59trXGPdEvTNojIFYzmXD4qzoum5lsEci3qXbjKbqo6A58V_Q8/s1600/leni-mar-tandem-liberal-party.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Robredo vows full support towards his running mate Roxas once they assume office." border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSe2wpVB84kmnH3b0zLZwW0e7FRstJI6HKmISQ6x5pxbJ0SGq9njy-xDmscFodSw0wlck-fpS2yXiFPEeLgPruVSF65G59trXGPdEvTNojIFYzmXD4qzoum5lsEci3qXbjKbqo6A58V_Q8/s640/leni-mar-tandem-liberal-party.jpg" title="Robredo vows full support towards his running mate Roxas once they assume office." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Robredo vows full support towards his running mate Roxas once they assume office.<br />Photo credit: Leni Robredo Official Website</td></tr></tbody></table>Even when Roxas invited her to become his running mate, Robredo admitted to the media on  some interviews that not all her positions on issues perfectly aligns well with Roxas' but stated that they were able to adjust well to each other’s vantage points.<br /><b><br /></b> <b>--Michael Santiago, The Summit Express</b></div>

10 Things To Know About VP Candidate Leni Robredo

As the Filipino voters continues to scan the list of the qualifications of the six candidates vying for the second highest post of the land,...

WINNERS AND LOSERS: The PiliPinas 2016 Vice Presidential Debate

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Better than Pacquiao-Bradley. That’s how the recently vice presidential debate organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last Sunday, April 10 went on.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bP5BqAAHVxcAnYhogViCx5tsJlFcMBEmdXKYNVFvDq6zMDFfzrJ6agFDsomYdYV3vGr9t8tjfBRcEWUB_ALkpedplv7yCSi2mzjjkQczfiVNSIc9cZ0OFRUxWqmq01TnLuuyslVaehBO/s1600/vice-presidential-candidates-pilipinas-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bP5BqAAHVxcAnYhogViCx5tsJlFcMBEmdXKYNVFvDq6zMDFfzrJ6agFDsomYdYV3vGr9t8tjfBRcEWUB_ALkpedplv7yCSi2mzjjkQczfiVNSIc9cZ0OFRUxWqmq01TnLuuyslVaehBO/s640/vice-presidential-candidates-pilipinas-2016.jpg" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The VP aspirants pose for a short pictorial upon entering the premises of the UST Gymnasium. <br />Photo credit: Philipine Star online</td></tr></tbody></table>The overflowing trading of barbs against each other even made the lone vice presidential debate a standout compared to the previously held presidential debates as observed by netizens and political analysts. As it meaty as it can gets, the gymnasium of the University of Santo Tomas was jam-packed with supporters of the six candidates aiming for the second highest post in the land.<br /><br />With issues ranging from corruption, poverty, economic growth, political dynasties, human rights abuses, Mindanao, crime eradication, transportation woes, foreign policy and even internet connection, the aspiring second-in-command leaders braved the challenge. Let’s see who were in and out during the debate:<br /><br /><b>WINNERS</b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY02yK-VPjB839Ok_CaEikTcgIS_lpACX-f61YJ9cKyPsypI9z-BNT6T6j3Ki5dLcaJPsK6hyiam8TbNcnZJIQaBTE9S8XKvRcsaazRvovY-_ukAyK6Pa0E3JnaFfZt5vKQMoyPR-I799/s1600/winners-vp-pilipinas-debates-2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="WINNERS: Cayetano, Marcos and Robredo nailed it last Sunday at the #PiliPinas2016 VP Debates" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY02yK-VPjB839Ok_CaEikTcgIS_lpACX-f61YJ9cKyPsypI9z-BNT6T6j3Ki5dLcaJPsK6hyiam8TbNcnZJIQaBTE9S8XKvRcsaazRvovY-_ukAyK6Pa0E3JnaFfZt5vKQMoyPR-I799/s640/winners-vp-pilipinas-debates-2016.JPG" title="WINNERS: Cayetano, Marcos and Robredo nailed it last Sunday at the #PiliPinas2016 VP Debates" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">WINNERS: Cayetano, Marcos and Robredo nailed it last Sunday at the #PiliPinas2016 VP Debates <br />Photo credit: CNN Philippines online</td></tr></tbody></table><b>1. “I cannot give what I do not have.” - Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.</b><br /><br />If Binay was the subject of mockery and intense castigation during the last presidential debate, it was the turn of the younger Marcos last Sunday as he was under siege from his fellow candidates. The discussion on corruption alone went approximately for an hour giving Marcos longer media exposure albeit he became the subject of scrutiny. <br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CDEajffD8xc" width="560"></iframe></center><br />“I cannot apologize for anyone else, only myself and for what I have done.” – Bongbong on FM’s human rights violations. Source: Youtube online (ChampBlogs).<br /><br />Anyway, good or bad, Bongbong and his set of followers proved what his contemporaries doesn’t have, that the more he gets hurt, the more he is loved by his loyalists. The machinery of the Marcoses seems to be doing its work properly. Bongbong is truly made for politics but he just really needs to find a way on how to address the issues of corruption against his family and make unbelievers focus on his government platforms instead.<br /><br /><b>2. “It’s the political leadership that will win the day.” - Senator Allan Peter Cayetano</b><br /><br />Knowing that he only got one shot to impress the nation, Cayetano made sure that his voice will not only be heard but will resonate all throughout the program with his scathing remarks headed towards his fellow party-mate Senator Bongbong Marcos. <br /><br />Pitching federalism and strong political will to solve the country’s predicaments, Cayetano made sure that every minute that was allotted for him will make him a standout and he did. Cayetano remained aggressive in the entirety of the debate, alternately attacking Marcos, the Liberal Party, Aquino administration, Secretary Jun Abaya and of course, Vice President Binay who was at the audience. Although he made quite a good strategy to win the anti-Marcos crowd, his style can also spell the opposite come election day as Marcos is known to reverse any harmful elements to his campaign into an additional asset.<br /><br /><b>3. “Sa amin pong anim, may the best woman win!” - Congresswoman Leni Robredo</b><br /><br />She started softly but the unassuming Camarines Sur representative finally exposed her fierceness and delivered the now famous one-liner “May the best woman win,” implying the looming possibility of winning the election next month against his all-male rivals.<br /><br />Robredo exuded an aura of confidence and independence from his running mate, former DILG Secretary Mar Roxas by addressing issues with concrete answers and admitting that the current programs of the administration needs to be improved. Instead of making any reference of the works of her late husband Jesse Robredo to impress the crowd, Leni opted to share her own vision of good governance and brought with her solid figures of facts that supported her stance on the issues presented to her in which no other candidates that night did so much.<br /><br />Some may have hit the target but there’s the other half who could have done better during the debate.<br /><br /><b>1. “Bilang sundalo po at rebelde, paulit-ulit ko pong itinaya ang aking buhay.” - Senator Gregorio Honasan</b><br /><br />The former soldier and leader of coups in the past barely made his presence felt. His apparent composure and deep knowledge on issues solidified his name as one of the veterans of Philippine politics but failed to give outstanding views on issues hurdled on him.<br /><br />Standing in the podium, Honasan remained mum while his contemporaries were trying to outlast each other and was found by the audience as playing safe as he refrained from attacking them which is the name of the game in a highly publicized debate.<br /><br />If there’s one highly commendable on his performance that night, it’s the way how he centered on the safety and importance of the Filipino family and the right to live.<br /><br /><br /><b>2. “Ito po ay tungkol sa inyo, tungkol sa interes at kapakanan ninyo, hindi kung sino ang gwapo at maganda dito sa entablado.”  - Senator Francis Escudero.</b><br /><b><br /></b> His proposed solutions to issues may have been commendable but it is undeniable that Escudero needs to step up in the game in the last four weeks of the campaign as his other rivals were able to pushed him out of the picture that night and are now catching up with him in the recent surveys. <br /><br />Escudero was clearly outshone by the Marcos-Cayetano and Marcos-Robredo clashes, which was very surprising given that the young senator had always that capability to attract the interest of the cameras and the public whenever he wants to in the past.<br /><br />Like Cayetano, Escudero also tried to remind the public that he is the solely, and officially the chosen running mate of Senator Grace Poe in this election as he tried to mention their tandem most of the time in the platform. This is not so good as the senator should’ve shown himself as more secured being Poe’s preferred partner rather than reiterating to the public that he is indeed her chosen one and not Trillanes who is offering himself as Poe’s alternative tandem.<br /><br /><b>3. "Ang kailangan po natin ay isang Vice President na buo ang tapang na haharap at babanggain sila." – Senator Antonio Trillanes III.</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W_XlNyIaw9w" width="560"></iframe></center><br />“Mag-create tayo ng autonomous regions one for central Mindanao and one for Basilan, Sulu & Tawi-Tawi.” Trillanes on Mindanao Source: Youtube online (ChampBlogs)<br /><br />He’s still the valiant rebel soldier that we knew from the last decade, but Trillanes seems to be losing steam on this campaign and we hope it is not because he failed to secure a presidential running mate.<br /><br />Known to be fiery and full of conviction, Trillanes was just like the Manny Pacquiao of the debate, perceived as a strong contender but failed to showcase such attribute in that three-hour long program. Instead, it was his fellow Nacionalista Sen. Cayetano who took that role that night, making him a mere second voice. <br /><br /><b>OTHER WINNERS AND LOSERS OF THE DEBATE</b><br /><br />The debate didn’t only put the candidates into the limelight but also acknowledged the other elements present in the program and here they are:<br /><br /><b>(Winner) CNN Philippines</b><br /><br />As compared to the previous two presidential debates, CNN Philippines presented a more sophisticated stage design and implemented a calmer but strict imposition of rules among the debaters.<br /><br />CNN Philippines also exuded its characteristic of being the country’s most globalized media outlet as it introduced some of the CNN’s notable news personalities overseas like CNN Asia Pacific Editor Andrew Stevens, to ask the candidates some questions that they need to address according to their proposed platforms. <br /><br /><b>(Winner) Pinky Webb</b><br /><br />The high caliber broadcast journalist who is making a comeback as CNN Philippines’ newest journo successfully passed her baptism of fire by being able to co-handle the debate with maintained composure. As she also headlines the network’s first Filipino-language newscast “Balitaan,” we expect Webb to bring more contribution to the network in terms of formulating its own distinct characteristic to the Filipino audience.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXFk_3a21eQ0r2NcWcza-1y5_PweZFZe6uYOaiuJadTG9IVT8FhK_WXrf8nvu0lD3AAVeNh2tA44va1TGaAeUtYwrrcZF7pVnqrQbX7B_X34F4RqGlBXsSZcReGArUEeqIyqGyt2DChQh/s1600/pilipinas-2016-vice-presidential-debate.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The VP aspirants tried to outsmart each other at the lone VP debate last Sunday." border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXFk_3a21eQ0r2NcWcza-1y5_PweZFZe6uYOaiuJadTG9IVT8FhK_WXrf8nvu0lD3AAVeNh2tA44va1TGaAeUtYwrrcZF7pVnqrQbX7B_X34F4RqGlBXsSZcReGArUEeqIyqGyt2DChQh/s640/pilipinas-2016-vice-presidential-debate.jpg" title="The VP aspirants tried to outsmart each other at the lone VP debate last Sunday." width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The VP aspirants tried to outsmart each other at the lone VP debate last Sunday at UST Gymansium.<br />Photo credit: GMA News TV Online</td></tr></tbody></table><b>(Loser) The live audience</b><br /><br />Although they added spice to the program, the uncalled jeering of the crowd against the rivals of their supported candidates was disturbing. It can be recalled that the unruly set of audience even started such taunting right at the beginning of the program while Marcos was just having his preliminary talk. Aside from that, the loud hissing of unwarranted comments every now and then just disrupts the airtime allotted for each candidate, making some points heard unclearly.<br /><br />For those who weren’t able to tuned in during the live event, here’s the full video of last Sunday’s debate.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0hR_6DR0ToA" width="560"></iframe></center><br />What’s your opinion? Share it in our comment box!<br /><br /><b>- Michael Santiago, The Summit Express</b></div>

WINNERS AND LOSERS: The PiliPinas 2016 Vice Presidential Debate

MANILA, Philippines - Better than Pacquiao-Bradley. That’s how the recently vice presidential debate organized by the Commission on Election...

Comelec-CNN PH PiliPinas Debates 2016 for VP full video replay

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The first and only vice presidential debate from the 'PiliPinas Debates 2016' series was held on Sunday, April 10, at the University of Sto. Tomas (UST), Manila. The full video replay of this event that will educate voters for election 2016 is now available online.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF3D2xUZ4kmxF9KDRwe79434-RyvXRdIdgAsccW5fEDEUbcC_b_oSMSwPAHPadhnKy8wIpxo6Lk86DM89pQ_WHxwCyJe9X7N4ETG-23Hh399ThTz3W63cbunxuIZP598BNLKMBLy-yDyX/s1600/vp-debate-cnn.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCF3D2xUZ4kmxF9KDRwe79434-RyvXRdIdgAsccW5fEDEUbcC_b_oSMSwPAHPadhnKy8wIpxo6Lk86DM89pQ_WHxwCyJe9X7N4ETG-23Hh399ThTz3W63cbunxuIZP598BNLKMBLy-yDyX/s640/vp-debate-cnn.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><br />The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in partnership CNN Philippines and online media Business Mirror have successfully mounted the debate that was attended by all six vice presidential candidates.<br /><br />As compared to previous debates, the UST event was started on time and CNN Philippines had shown they also deserved to stage the presidential debate.<br /><br />Here's the full video replay of PiliPinas Debates 2016 on CNN PH:<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="330" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0hR_6DR0ToA" width="600"></iframe></center><br />VP candidates Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Chiz Escudero, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Sen. Bongbong Marcos and Camarines Sur third district representative Leni Robredo squared off to discuss corruption, corruption in relation to poverty, political dynasties, human rights, peace and order, traffic and other urban problems, internet and mobile connectivity, foreign policy and the vice president as the “spare tire.”<br /><br />Anti-Marcos group shout "never again" during Sen. Marcos' opening statement but hecklers were escorted out of the debate hall.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Sen Marcos' hecklers chant "Never again to Martial Law" as they leave the debate premises. | <a href="https://twitter.com/anjocalimario" rel="nofollow">@anjocalimario</a> <a href="https://t.co/R3hYIAoG0b" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/R3hYIAoG0b</a></div>— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) <a href="https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines/status/719096105678417920" rel="nofollow">April 10, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />Who do you think dominated the first and only #PiliPinasDebates2016 for VP? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.</div>

Comelec-CNN PH PiliPinas Debates 2016 for VP full video replay

MANILA, Philippines - The first and only vice presidential debate from the 'PiliPinas Debates 2016' series was held on Sunday, April...

LIVESTREAM: PiliPinas Debates 2016 Vice Presidential Debate up on CNN PH video

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The first and only vice presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" happens today, April 10, 2016 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Quadricentennial Pavilion gymnasium. CNN Philippines brings the livestream video of this event in relation to May 9 national elections.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUAtAni0zhD2T2h5Taa5Yjrd6yNsL7VEhPhe4ft0aNn4nc0FDkbiojhi9EBowwGUTzX8PWa8IqeqU43k9mCjC5YHd7LdNEQqI8Dodzbd8uWRrID06C9fgAt338xusl0cdnUnDau6dPprU/s1600/CNN-pilipinas-debates-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PiliPinas Debates 2016 Vice Presidential Debate up on CNN video" border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUAtAni0zhD2T2h5Taa5Yjrd6yNsL7VEhPhe4ft0aNn4nc0FDkbiojhi9EBowwGUTzX8PWa8IqeqU43k9mCjC5YHd7LdNEQqI8Dodzbd8uWRrID06C9fgAt338xusl0cdnUnDau6dPprU/s640/CNN-pilipinas-debates-2016.jpg" title="PiliPinas Debates 2016 Vice Presidential Debate up on CNN video" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />Organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), PiliPinas Debates 2016 for Vice Presidential bets is in partnership with the Kapisanan ng Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), CNN Philippines and Business Mirror. <br /><br />The debate will be broadcasted live on free television Channel 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.<br /><br /><b>Catch the livestream of Pilipinas Debates 2016:  the vice presidential debate at the UST here</b>:(http://www.cnnphilippines.com):<br /><br />Updating for the video. Refresh page for the updates.<br /><br />Note: The full video replay courtesy of CNN Philippines will be available also on this page.<br /><br />Meanwhile, here's the live Twitter feed for the very first vice presidential debate for the 2016 elections:<br /><br /><center><a class="twitter-timeline" data-widget-id="701246678234312704" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#PiliPinasDebates2016 Tweets</a><br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></center><br />Moderating the debate are veteran journalists Pia Hontiveros and Pinky Webb. Pre and post-debate programs scheduled at 4:00 and 7:30 PM, respectively will be anchored by Amelyn Veloso.<br /><br />On April 6, the Supreme Court has ordered Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista to allow the debates to be streamed "unaltered" on other websites other than the lead network but "subject to the copyright condition that the source is clearly indicated."<br /><br />SC Public Information Office chief and spokesman Thedore Te said that in a unanimous decision, the tribunal partially granted a petition filed by online news organization Rappler against Bautista.<br /><br /><br /><b>All VP bets confirm attendance for PiliPinas Debates 2016: The Vice Presidential Debate</b><br /><br />CNN Philippines vice president for News and Current Affairs Alfonso “Pal” Marquez III said all six candidates confirmed their attendance for the debate: Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Chiz Escudero, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Sen. Bongbong Marcos and Camarines Sur third district representative Leni Robredo.<br /><br />Topics to discuss includes corruption, corruption in relation to poverty, political dynasties, human rights, peace and order, traffic and other urban problems, internet and mobile connectivity, foreign policy and the vice president as the “spare tire.”<br /><br />Unlike the previous debates, Marquez said that all vice presidential candidates will be given the opportunity to react on every question during the debate.<br /><br />"Hindi na kami nag draw lots kung sino yung candidate na magtatanungan. We’ll let it to our discretion to decide who will be pitted against whom," Marquez said to the media.<br /><br />"“Kasi kapag draw lots, let’s say yung dalawang kandidato they don’t differ in views, I tell you, there won’t be a debate. Kailangan yung merong conflict. So we will decide on the spot," he added.<br /><br />Comelec chairman Andres Bautista said the debate was patterned after the US Republican debates and in accordance with the international best practices and was properly agreed to by all the organizers.<br /><br /><b>PiliPinas Debates Schedule</b><br /><br />After the vice presidential debate today, Comelec will also mount the final presidential debate this April 24 to be organized by ABS-CBN as the lead network with Business Mirror as print media partner. This will be held at the University of Pangasinan.<br /><br />The successful run of first and second leg of the presidential debates were happened last February 21 (GMA-7) and March 20 (TV5).</div>

LIVESTREAM: PiliPinas Debates 2016 Vice Presidential Debate up on CNN PH video

MANILA, Philippines - The first and only vice presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" happens today, April 10, 2016...

Teddy Locsin Jr. comes under fire for insulting the use of “Tagalog” during the presidential debate

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines- After making negative remarks on the use of “Tagalog” language during the second round of presidential debate held at UP Cebu on Sunday, March 20, former Makati solon and broadcast journalist Teodoro “Teddy” Locsin Jr. created a firestorm on Twitter.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyvas6pQRKVVMk7u_Yqga8FsCHc90wNbK8ah3ZnQOZ8vwfV44g30-2lE05kWc3Zcs63EGmbEVqtTGbnVt9RKX24YomahzYe3qibql4KpV5gKKusgQdN_l2i6x8IMC1g1l_GnbssSesSTd/s1600/teddy-locsin.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photo Credit: Teddy Locsin Jr. Instagram" border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyvas6pQRKVVMk7u_Yqga8FsCHc90wNbK8ah3ZnQOZ8vwfV44g30-2lE05kWc3Zcs63EGmbEVqtTGbnVt9RKX24YomahzYe3qibql4KpV5gKKusgQdN_l2i6x8IMC1g1l_GnbssSesSTd/s400/teddy-locsin.jpg" title="Photo Credit: Teddy Locsin Jr. Instagram" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Teddy Locsin Jr. Instagram</td></tr></tbody></table>Locsin, in a series of tweets, described the exchange between Liberal party bet and former DILG chief Manuel “Mar Roxas” II and Senator Grace Poe as “lousy” since they used “too much Tagalog.”<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">The sagutan between Poe and Mar is lousy because they used too much Tagalog, a language inappropriate to pointed debate, circular shitty.</div>— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) <a href="https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/711533808269574144" rel="nofollow">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />On his Twitter account, he wrote: “Tagalog should be discouraged. So long, so bullshi***, so useless a tongue for debate.”<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Tagalog should be discouraged. So long, so bullshitty, so useless a tongue for debate.</div>— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) <a href="https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/711533892843376640" rel="nofollow">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8”" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />Describing Roxas and Poe as “masters of the civilized English”, Locsin pointed out that the two presidential candidates should have used the English language during their discourse. He added that tagalog language is “inappropriate” for a debate.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">Both Poe and Mar are masters of the civilized language of English. In a close fight, use it. Or you both sound like Chiz.</div>— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) <a href="https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/711534054433099776" rel="nofollow">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="“utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />After posting a series of controversial tweets, “Teddy Locsin" emerged as a trending topic on the microblogging site and was accused by netizens as “anti-Filipino” and “elitist”. <br /><br />Alyansa ng mga Tagapagtanggol ng Wika (Tanggol Wika), an alliance composed of professors, lawmakers, artists from over 70 colleges and universities, wants Locsin to apologize for “belittling and insulting” the national language.<br /><br />According to Tanggol Wika, the government-organized presidential debate should be in Filipino since it is the language of 99 percent of Filipinos. <br /><br />“Teddy Boy will be awed by the depth of popular discussions in the national language in forums, community chats, assemblies, academic conferences, if he tries to learn his people’s language,” Tanggol Wika members said.<br /><br />Known for being outspoken on social media, Locsin is the editor-in-chief of Esquire magazine and produces editorial for ANC. <br /><br />The third round of presidential debates is expected to be held on April 24.<br /><br /><b>-Mini, The Summit Express</b></div>

Teddy Locsin Jr. comes under fire for insulting the use of “Tagalog” during the presidential debate

MANILA, Philippines- After making negative remarks on the use of “Tagalog” language during the second round of presidential debate held at U...

Comelec-TV5 Pilipinas Debates 2016 full video replay

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The second leg of presidential debate dubbed as 'Pilipinas Debates 2016' was held on Sunday, March 20, at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Cebu City. The full video replay of this historic but controversial event is now available online.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ7HdUF2b5lvx5ghmtA4_iudg7bb-EJ4tZa63I-6cnlGjhyQqGBp3Z8TbB5SiQVNnXOwZoHVbUIdvVOnVIiewilaVAca-yUIK9nwV4EeukzMfrtd9oIjNaBJF7xiZsSn2IWjKRpfuMkOf/s1600/Pilipinas-debates-2016-video.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Comelec-TV5 Pilipinas Debates 2016 full video replay" border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ7HdUF2b5lvx5ghmtA4_iudg7bb-EJ4tZa63I-6cnlGjhyQqGBp3Z8TbB5SiQVNnXOwZoHVbUIdvVOnVIiewilaVAca-yUIK9nwV4EeukzMfrtd9oIjNaBJF7xiZsSn2IWjKRpfuMkOf/s640/Pilipinas-debates-2016-video.jpg" title="Comelec-TV5 Pilipinas Debates 2016 full video replay" width="560" /></a></div><br />The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in partnership with broadcast giant TV5 and print and online media Philippine Star have successfully mounted the debate after more than hour-long delay in the start of the program due to issues on debate rules.<br /><br /><b>READ</b>: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/03/delayed-pilipinas-debates-2016-earns-ire-netizens-tv5-statement.html" rel="nofollow">DELAYED Pilipinas Debates 2016 earns ire of netizens, TV5 issues statement</a><br /><br />Here's the full video replay of Pilipinas Debates 2016:<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5VAMcK8Tj5E" width="560"></iframe></center><br />Four presidential candidates attended the event Vice President Jejomar Binay of United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), DILG secretary Manuel Roxas II of Liberal Party (LP); Independent candidate Senator Grace Poe; and Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of PDP-Laban squared off to discuss platforms and their views on disaster preparedness, climate change, health care, women's rights, education and fighting corruption.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Miriam Defensor Santiago did not attend as she needs to undego clinical trial.<br /><br />Who do you think dominated the second #PiliPinasDebates2016? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.</div>

Comelec-TV5 Pilipinas Debates 2016 full video replay

MANILA, Philippines - The second leg of presidential debate dubbed as 'Pilipinas Debates 2016' was held on Sunday, March 20, at the ...

DELAYED Pilipinas Debates 2016 earns ire of netizens, TV5 issues statement

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The second leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016 was delayed by an hour and half on Sunday, March 20.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJkcoJ3g97-gLLvVZ98E-jtps8l7G9nTnVBk40vRygxC8zhdBn96y0B3tHyM0CHM95mC4AdKjiGgF2xkTK-aFybWJ_MefpIRydte3dYVfK2y822t9Ty_W-l-8Em4MDhu-w2BVonxbEQCN/s1600/Pilipinas-debates-2016.png" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DELAYED Pilipinas Debates 2016 earns ire of netizens, TV5 issues statement" border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJkcoJ3g97-gLLvVZ98E-jtps8l7G9nTnVBk40vRygxC8zhdBn96y0B3tHyM0CHM95mC4AdKjiGgF2xkTK-aFybWJ_MefpIRydte3dYVfK2y822t9Ty_W-l-8Em4MDhu-w2BVonxbEQCN/s640/Pilipinas-debates-2016.png" title="DELAYED Pilipinas Debates 2016 earns ire of netizens, TV5 issues statement" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />Netizens expressed their dismay not only on the cause of the delay but to TV5, the media sponsor of the debate.<br /><br />The debate was supposed to start at 5 p.m.<br /><br />In a statement by TV5, some presidential candidates are seeking last minute clarifications from COMELEC on the debates rules.<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Regarding the delay <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#PiliPinasDebates2016</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BilangPilipino?src=hash" rel="nofollow">#BilangPilipino</a> <a href="https://t.co/GA1Kll56Gf" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/GA1Kll56Gf</a></div>— TV5 (@TV5manila) <a href="https://twitter.com/TV5manila/status/711487810927104004" rel="nofollow">March 20, 2016</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br />TV 5 anchor Cheryl Cosim said the network is ready to air the debate on the agreed time.<br /><br />"Kung kayo ay inip an inip na, kami rin po," Cosim said at 5:47 p.m. </div>

DELAYED Pilipinas Debates 2016 earns ire of netizens, TV5 issues statement

MANILA, Philippines - The second leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016 was delayed by an hour and half on Sunday, March 20. Netizens expressed their...

LIVESTREAM: 2nd PiliPinas Debates 2016 on TV5 video now up

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - The second leg of presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" for the May 9 general elections happens today, March 20, 2016 at the Performing Arts Hall of the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu. TV5, the media partner mounts full livestream for this historic event.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn5M5qxOmnmL6U5eTW7uJSpTGszmv7I2BzER2ILPxDl8tr0kySI8eYIzln28481bN89b5TvPReiNMpWBrx8JybOSbPWmRHZYVArjDmj4BE6SB1qzlHke4Y6bFydABrzYnqEvkhlPVhfQN/s1600/pilipinas-debates-2016-tv5-livestream.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2nd PiliPinas Debates 2016 on TV5 video now up" border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizn5M5qxOmnmL6U5eTW7uJSpTGszmv7I2BzER2ILPxDl8tr0kySI8eYIzln28481bN89b5TvPReiNMpWBrx8JybOSbPWmRHZYVArjDmj4BE6SB1qzlHke4Y6bFydABrzYnqEvkhlPVhfQN/s640/pilipinas-debates-2016-tv5-livestream.jpg" title="2nd PiliPinas Debates 2016 on TV5 video now up" width="560" /></a></div><br />The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has partnered with TV5 and the Philippine Star for the highly anticipated Visayas leg of debates.<br /><br /><b>Catch the livestream of second Pilipinas Debates 2016 at the UP-Cebu here</b> (bilangpilipino.com):<br /><br />Note: The full video livestream courtesy of TV5 and News5 Everywhere will be available on this page (Refresh page for the updates).<br /><br />Meanwhile, here's the live Twitter feed for the second presidential debate of the 2016 elections:<br /><br /><center><a class="twitter-timeline" data-widget-id="701246678234312704" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#PiliPinasDebates2016 Tweets</a><br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></center><br /><b>Miriam Santiago skips Comelec-TV5 #PiliPinasDebates2016</b><br /><br />The presidential candidates who will have their face offs today are: Vice President Jejomar Binay of United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), DILG secretary Manuel Roxas II of Liberal Party (LP); Independent candidate Senator Grace Poe; and Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of PDP-Laban.<br /><br />In a statement, Presidential candidate Miriam Defensor Santiago said she will not be attending the debate to undergo a <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/03/sen-miriam-skips-second-presidential-debate-to-join-clinical-trial.html" rel="nofollow">clinical trial to fight her cancer</a>.<br /><br />"I am very sorry to miss out on the debates, but it would be a disservice to the country if I forego the opportunity to get rid of my cancer completely and strengthen myself further to serve the Filipino people," Santiago said.<br /><br />Reports said that the presidential hopefuls will arrive at the debate hall at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were also deployed around the campus for their security.<br /><br /><b>Second presidential debates topics, format</b><br /><br />PiliPinas Debates 2016 on TV5 will be "better, with longer hours and less advertisement," Comelec chairman Andres Bautista announced.<br /><br />This is the answer to complaints received from the <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/02/livestream-pilipinas-debates-2016-now-up-gma-7-360-degree-video.html" rel="nofollow">first presidential debate last February 21</a> sponsored by GMA-7 as it drew flak from critics and netizens on its format, long commercial breaks and the effectiveness of the discussions. <br /><br />This time, the debate proper will run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (1 hour longer) and with prelude at 4:30 p.m. Live streaming will be available from 4:30 p.m. on TV5.<br /><br />TV5 veteran journalist Luchi Cruz-Valdez will serve as the moderator. The panel of interrogators is composed of TV5 news anchor Erwin Tulfo, TV5 public affairs host Lourd de Veyra, Bloomberg TV host Anthony Abad, RMN news anchor Rufill Banoc, The STAR editor-in-chief Amy Pamintuan and associate editor Marichu Villanueva.<br /><br />Bautista added that the way of questioning will be different for every round. During the first round, the panelist will be questioning the presidential candidates (panel discussion format) and, on the second round, each contender can raise a question against the other debater (one-on-one toss-up).<br /><br />With the changes, each presidential candidate will have 120 seconds or two minutes – from the previous 90 seconds – to answer questions, and 30 seconds to make a rebuttal.<br /><br />The topics to be discussed are disaster preparedness, climate change, health care, women's rights, education and fighting corruption.<br /><br /><b>Pilipinas Debates Schedule</b><br /><br />After the Cagayan de Oro and Cebu debates, Comelec will also organize the third and final presidential debate on April 24 at the University of Pangasinan for the Luzon leg. ABS-CBN and Manila Bulletin will serve as media sponsors.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the vice presidential debate is set on April 10 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to be organized with the help of CNN Philippines, Business Mirror and Rappler.<br /><br />Who will dominate the second #PiliPinasDebates2016? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.<br /><br /><b>RELATED STORIES</b><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/01/infographic-16-things-you-need-to-know-presidential-candidate-binay.html" rel="nofollow">INFOGRAPHIC: 16 Things You Need To Know About Presidential Candidate Jejomar Binay</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2015/12/infographic-16-things-you-need-to-know-about-presidential-candidate-sen-miriam-santiago.html" rel="nofollow">INFOGRAPHIC: 16 Things You Need To Know About Presidential Candidate Sen. Miriam Santiago</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2015/12/infographic-16-facts-about-2016-presidential-candidate-mar-roxas.html" rel="nofollow">INFOGRAPHIC: 16 Facts about 2016 Presidential Candidate Mar Roxas</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/02/infographic-16-things-you-need-to-know-rodrigo-duterte.html" rel="nofollow">INFOGRAPHIC: 16 Things You Need To Know About Presidential Candidate Rodrigo Duterte</a></li><li><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/02/presidential-candidate-grace-poe-16-things-you-need-to-know-infographic.html" rel="nofollow">INFOGRAPHIC: 16 Things You Need To Know About 2016 Presidential Candidate Grace Poe</a></li></ul></div>

LIVESTREAM: 2nd PiliPinas Debates 2016 on TV5 video now up

MANILA, Philippines - The second leg of presidential debate dubbed as "PiliPinas Debates 2016" for the May 9 general elections hap...

Sen. Miriam skips second presidential debate to join clinical trial

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Presidential candidate Miriam Defensor Santiago said that she will not be attending the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and TV5's second presidential debate scheduled this Sunday, March 20, after being accepted as fit to undergo a clinical trial for a new, unnamed anti-cancer pill.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWnQUmlwcJzSx2L9AyJ-FzrIeCl776WkbgMI9P1gBtSksTHO1pCnzMYkzuHBvACgwU2JktH7nHetc605JFHoKGkO000HdFlZUntg_VO1QlglIOleY2kBGt-mLKTzN2O8omZN-PX95r-Uc/s1600/Miriam-santiago-skips-debates.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sen. Miriam skips second presidential debate" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWnQUmlwcJzSx2L9AyJ-FzrIeCl776WkbgMI9P1gBtSksTHO1pCnzMYkzuHBvACgwU2JktH7nHetc605JFHoKGkO000HdFlZUntg_VO1QlglIOleY2kBGt-mLKTzN2O8omZN-PX95r-Uc/s640/Miriam-santiago-skips-debates.jpg" title="Sen. Miriam skips second presidential debate" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Twitter/senmiriam</td></tr></tbody></table>Santiago said she joined the international clinical trial to gain free access to the medication, which would otherwise cost reportedly half a million pesos every three weeks. The trial requires Santiago to report for outpatient radiation treatment at the hospital daily for a short period.<br /><br />The senator said she will try and participate in the third and last presidential debate on April 24 (to be handled by ABS-CBN) if the ongoing treatments do not inhibit her.<br /><br />"I am very sorry to miss out on the debates, but it would be a disservice to the country if I forego the opportunity to get rid of my cancer completely and strengthen myself further to serve the Filipino people," Santiago said.<br /><br />Prior to her announcement, the senator, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, stage four, in June 2014, has delivered speeches in several universities around the country, banking on her popularity among the youth to buoy her presidential bid.<br /><br />In all her campus speeches, Santiago urged millennial voters to vote for candidates with academic, professional, and moral excellence. She also asks the youth to campaign for her recalling the massive impact of youth volunteers in her 1992 run.<br /><br />Santiago has been dubbed the "president of campuses," having topped the following university surveys conducted since the filing of certificates of candidacy in October:<br /><br />De La Salle University Manila, 75 percent;<br /><br />Polytechnic University of the Philippines, 64 percent;<br /><br />Universilty of the Philippines (U.P.) Los Baños, 86 percent;<br /><br />University of Santo Tomas, 66 percent;<br /><br />Ateneo De Manila University, 36.6 percent;<br /><br />U.P. Manila, 59.5 percent;<br /><br />University of Northern Philippines, 35.85 percent;<br /><br />Malayan Colleges Laguna, 54.7 percent;<br /><br />Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 58.5 percent;<br /><br />U.P. Diliman, 41.6 percent;<br /><br />Holy Angel University, 40 percent;<br /><br />University of Asia and the Pacific, 43.2 percent;<br /><br />Adamson University, 64 percent;<br /><br />Ateneo de Naga University, 37.4 percent;<br /><br />U.P. Baguio, 78.2 percent;<br /><br />Philippine Normal University, 76 percent;<br /><br />Arellano University, 36 percent; and<br /><br />De La Salle University - Lipa, 32 percent.<br /><br />Santiago has also previously said that her campaign will bank heavily on her strong social media base. With some 3.4 million followers on Facebook and some 2.4 million on Twitter, Santiago has the biggest social media clout among the presidential candidates.</div>

Sen. Miriam skips second presidential debate to join clinical trial

MANILA, Philippines - Presidential candidate Miriam Defensor Santiago said that she will not be attending the Commission on Elections (Comel...

Santiago wins first presidential debates 2016 - Sen. Marcos

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - Vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. believes his presidential running mate Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago outshone her rivals in the first presidential debates for 2016 elections held at the Capitol University in Cagayan De Oro City on Sunday, February 21.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8rmNciIJIU3e7b5d55XGRDD38r1OXKpi5Fc62HbPA2UA8e3G5ndW8bRuiQEt4hdYD6D6HcErsE9vwjANExWUpMWOjvcnxq9mPstru7pMmdCFF0bnkJ2f9kY2VysHDydziBO0c795QGR1/s1600/miriam-santiago.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Miriam Santiago" border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8rmNciIJIU3e7b5d55XGRDD38r1OXKpi5Fc62HbPA2UA8e3G5ndW8bRuiQEt4hdYD6D6HcErsE9vwjANExWUpMWOjvcnxq9mPstru7pMmdCFF0bnkJ2f9kY2VysHDydziBO0c795QGR1/s640/miriam-santiago.jpg" title="Miriam Santiago" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Twitter.com/senmiriam</td></tr></tbody></table>Apart from Senator Santiago, all other presidential candidates took part in the Commission on Election-sponsored debates, including Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas III, Senator Grace Poe, and Vice President Jejomar Binay.<br /><br />"I think she did very well, kagaya ng inaasahan nating lahat. Alam naman nating lahat na pag debate ang pinag-uusapan ay si Senator Santiago ang talagang hasang-hasa dyan at sanay na sanay dyan," Marcos said in an ambush interview during a break on his sortie yesterday in Muntinlupa City.<br /><br />Marcos said it was obvious in the presidential debates that compared to other candidates, Santiago had a deeper appreciation and analysis of the problems affecting the country today as well as the applicable practical solutions.<br /><br />"Ganyan talaga ang ugali ni Sen. Santiago, hindi shallow, hindi peripheral, hindi tangential ang kanyang pag-iisip kundi pinupuntahan na talaga kung ano yung puno't dulo ng problema at yun kagabi ang nakita natin," Marcos said.<br /><br />However, Marcos thinks it would help the voters make a better assessment and comparison of the capabilities of the candidates if in the next round of debates they would be made to answer common questions on specific issues.<br /><br />After consolidating his support in the "Solid North", on the first two weeks of the campaign, Marcos has begun his foray yesterday into the CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) area, which the Commission on Election tagged as having the most number of voters in the country at 7.6 million.<br /><br />Marcos is thankful for the warm reception he got from the people of Muntinlupa.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Marcos believes the issue of Santiago's health will not affect their campaign at all.<br /><br />There were earlier calls for presidential candidates to bare their health record, particularly directed at Santiago who had admitted having Stage 4 lung cancer but eventually said she has beaten it.<br /><br />"She's fine. Of course she has a condition that she has to take care of. But other than that, she is handling the campaign very well," said Marcos.<br /><br />"If she says she's okay, I believe that," he added.<br /><br />Marcos also said it's not health but strategic reason why he and Santiago are not oftentimes seen together in campaign sorties, particularly to enable them to reach as many people as possible that they wouldn't be able to do if they would always go together.<br /><br />"Umiikot sya sa mga college. Ganyan naman talaga ang ginagawa ng mga kandidato sa campaign para mas maraming mapuntahan," he said.</div>

Santiago wins first presidential debates 2016 - Sen. Marcos

MANILA, Philippines - Vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. believes his presidential running m...

LIVESTREAM: Pilipinas Debates 2016 now up in GMA-7's 360-degree video

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines  - The highly anticipated first leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016 happens today, February 21, 2016 at the Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City. GMA News and Public Affairs brings the first ever 360-degree livestream of a live event in the country.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg9FhfVTAd-OJAdkUkcV4GYs5pebYb9OXdHLbJVOHXSxyJ9_ICqtk_rhgfUTbKZbF5JUIfRoD0xt5pvHslTN4GphYt5_o2VKAAc0l2Oujia_xbOjv9p4KS0OPFxITP3OHY10QLPg5v5mM/s1600/pilipinas-debates-2016-now.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pilipinas Debates 2016 now up in GMA-7's 360-degree video" border="0" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZg9FhfVTAd-OJAdkUkcV4GYs5pebYb9OXdHLbJVOHXSxyJ9_ICqtk_rhgfUTbKZbF5JUIfRoD0xt5pvHslTN4GphYt5_o2VKAAc0l2Oujia_xbOjv9p4KS0OPFxITP3OHY10QLPg5v5mM/s640/pilipinas-debates-2016-now.jpg" title="Five presidential candidates Binay, Duterte, Poe, Roxas and Santiago" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five presidential candidates Binay, Duterte, Poe, Roxas and Santiago join first presidential debate for May 2016 elections. Photo Credit: GMA News and @Senyora</td></tr></tbody></table>The special debate was developed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) with GMA-7 and the Philippine Daily Inquirer sponsored the first presidential debate for May 9, 2016 elections.<br /><br />GMA-7 forerunner in technology and a subsidiary GMA New Media, Inc. (NMI) set-up the 360-degree livestream which is available for near-real-time viewing on GMA News Online. The technology will allow any web user to pan the camera view around the venue in near-real-time.<br /><br />Catch the livestream of Pilipinas Debates 2016 at the Capitol University, CDO here: gmanews.tv/eleksyon2016.<br /><br />Note: The live video feed will be available on this page later. Refresh page for the updates.<br /><br />Meanwhile, here's the live Twitter feed for the very first presidential debate of the 2016 elections:<br /><br /><center><a class="twitter-timeline" data-widget-id="701246678234312704" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PiliPinasDebates2016" rel="nofollow">#PiliPinasDebates2016 Tweets</a><br /><script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+"://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script></center><br />Moderating the debate are award-winning GMA anchors Mike Enriquez and Jessica Soho along with John Nery of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.<br /><br />All five presidential hopefuls Vice President Jejomar Binay, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Grace Poe, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, and Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago will battle it out in four separate rounds of the debate.<br /><br />Know more about presidential candidates <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/search/label/%2316Things" rel="nofollow">here</a>.<br /><br />Topics to discuss includes development and poverty, peace and order, track record, constitution, and Mindanao issues. Each speaker will then be given 90 seconds to present their answers for each question and rebuttals from other candidates will follow.<br /><br />Comelec chairman Andres Bautista said it was patterned after the US Republican debates and in accordance with the international best practices and was properly agreed to by all the organizers.<br /><br /><b>Pilipinas Debates Schedule</b><br /><br />Aside from the CDO debate, Comelec will also organize second presidential debate on March 20 at the University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu City. This will be sponsored by TV5 and The Philippine Star.<br /><br />The next and final leg of presidential debate will be handled by ABS-CBN and Manila Bulletin on April 24 at the University of Pangasinan.<br /><br />The vice presidential debate is set on April 10 at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to be organized with the help of CNN Philippines, Business Mirror and Rappler.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKn-zeQAg6pbkgnvPZryeo2wIg3kCu56BRWitCOxH-pWHg_dW17s30Tt4H0TOv9uOrMLsNfVxjwDkYCPfpfG0ml_V8MDxaebkywAgMIllKI6P3XmzE9hxMyVzcV3nDNSZH0sBSST5VjRa/s1600/pilipinas-debate-schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PiliPinas Debates 2016 schedule" border="0" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKn-zeQAg6pbkgnvPZryeo2wIg3kCu56BRWitCOxH-pWHg_dW17s30Tt4H0TOv9uOrMLsNfVxjwDkYCPfpfG0ml_V8MDxaebkywAgMIllKI6P3XmzE9hxMyVzcV3nDNSZH0sBSST5VjRa/s640/pilipinas-debate-schedule.jpg" title="PiliPinas Debates 2016 schedule" width="560" /></a></div><br />Who will dominate the #PiliPinasDebates2016? Express your thoughts in the comment section below.</div>

LIVESTREAM: Pilipinas Debates 2016 now up in GMA-7's 360-degree video

MANILA, Philippines - The highly anticipated first leg of PiliPinas Debates 2016 happens today, February 21, 2016 at the Capitol University...