CamSur PPCRV to Hold Political Fora

NAGA CITY (19 March ) -- Comelec citizens' arm, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in the province, together with church groups and non-government organizations, is set to sponsor a series of candidates' fora on April 10, 12, 14, and 16 at Naga City's Plaza Quezon beginning 6:00 PM.

Fr. Louie Occiano of the Caceres Commission on Communications or CCCom released recently information and guidelines on the said political fora.

According to the released guidelines, the fora's objectives are to help voters reach an enlightened decision as they elect candidates for local positions; to elicit from candidates their views, stand and plans regarding key issues; and very importantly, to be able to hold candidates accountable, if elected, to the pronouncements made during the fora.

A covenant prayer, which would be signed by the candidates, is to begin each forum. Afterwards, individual candidates are provided opportunities to present their platform or legislative agenda to the audience. Later, a discussion of pressing issues pre-selected by the organizers of the forum and interpellation with fellow candidates follow. Candidates are also allowed to re-state their stand of these key issues.

Meanwhile, the guidelines for the fora were explicit in barring personal attacks against fellow candidates, as well as the use of "bad words that include expletives, insults."

On April 10 (Saturday), the candidates' forum is meant for those vying for the positions of Governor and Vice-Governor of the province. On April 12 (Monday), candidates for the 1st, 2rd, and 3rd Congressional Districts of Camarines Sur had been invited; while on April 14 (Wednesday), those for the 4th and 5th Congressional Districts are to attend the forum. Finally, on April 16 (Friday), the political forum for the mayoral and vice-mayoralty positions in Naga City will be held. (F. J. Lagdameo)