CLEAN ELECTIONS. City Council candidates for the two legislative districts of Cagayan de Oro City swear an oath before City Election Officer Rowell Valledor (left) to abide by election laws and maintain an orderly and peaceful election this coming May 9. The candidates participate in the 'Pag-Ila 2022' town hall event Wednesday (April 6, 2022), where they made known their platforms of government. (Screenshot courtesy of Parasat HD)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Independent candidates running for the City Council's 16 seats have found a venue to widen their reach through the "Pag-Ila 2022” -- a voter education platform organized by civil society groups and the academe.
In an interview Thursday, "Pag-Ila 2022" lead convenor Nestor Banuag Jr. said the group's town hall events feature conversation formats that are easily digestible and accessible to the broader public, especially for lesser-known ones who are not affiliated with major parties.
Banuag said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) assisted them in conceptualizing the town hall event to ensure it is well-managed.
The recent "Pag-Ila 2022" event Wednesday afternoon featured 52 City Council candidates from the city's two legislative districts, according to Banuag.
"Everyone was given the chance to speak to introduce himself or herself with their plans and platforms. During the Q and A portion, major issues were discussed through the given questions,” he said.
Banuag said “heated exchanges” of views and opinions on certain issues had occurred among candidates from opposing parties but assured this was part of the political exercise and handled “very well” by the host and the moderator.
At the recent town hall event, City Council aspirant Therecilla Padla acknowledged the “slim chances” of independent candidates, noting the lack of political machinery traditionally provided to administration and opposition candidates.
However, Padla said local independent candidates have recently formed their own group, the Alliance for Good Governance, to increase their chances at the polls.
"We have a common cause, so we must bond together," she said.
For Eldeoro Rotoras, another City Council aspirant, his 32-years of service as a local government employee would be useful as he seeks to pass pro-poor measures.
Rotoras said he intends to champion marginalized sectors and promote more public shelter for the homeless as well as ensure that low-income families have health insurance and livelihood.
Several media personalities have also joined the political exercise as independent candidates in this year's elections.
Radio broadcaster Bert Amplayo, who is running for councilor in the first district, said he wants to see a more developed Metro Cagayan de Oro.
Former journalist Ronald Rufin said he would focus on establishing a digital framework and infrastructure for the city to equip its citizens for the next Internet revolution.
City Election Officer Rowell Valledor reminded the electorate that "elections are supposed to be about choosing the right policies, and not much about choosing individuals or personalities."
"Pag-Ila 2022" convenors said more town hall events will take place before the May 9 elections, which will all be broadcast on a local cable channel and livestreamed through Facebook. (PNA)
