The Candidates’ Forum organized by XU’s Research and Social Outreach (RSO) on April 25 at the Capitol University Gym generated heated exchanges between 2nd district re-electionist Rep Rufus Rodriguez and his contender City Councilor Ian Nacaya.

The candidates were invited to share their legislative agenda on the areas of food security, peace and order, health and sanitation, environment, and good governance.

In addition to Rodriguez and Nacaya, 2nd District candidate Eric Saarenas, and 1st District candidates Alvin Calingin and Constatino Jaruala also participated in the forum. Absent were incumbent 1st District Representative and re-electionist Benjo Benaldo and challenger Rolando Uy.

Rodriguez touted his track record in the House of Representatives being the top House member with the most number of bills filed and passed into law.  He cited, particularly, HB 1064 imposing total mining ban in Cagayan de Oro, HB 45 implementing sustainable forest management and HB 253 nationalizing the JR Borja City Memorial Hospital.

Rodriguez criticized Nacaya for being “pro-mining” and for not lifting a finger on the uptrend of crimes in the city. Nacaya is the chairman of the city’s Peace and Order Council.

Nacaya, meanwhile, accused Rodriguez of using congressional funding for personal interests. The councilor presented his PRO CHILDREN platform, which stands for Poverty Reduction, Order, Community Empowerment, Health, Infrastructure, Livelihood, Domestic Support, Responsible Utilization of Funds, Education, and Nation Building. He appealed to the crowd not to be swayed by hoopla and publicity.

Loyalists of both Rodriguez and Nacaya showed passionate support for their candidates, breaking into an uproar while the two congressional aspirants were giving their speeches.

When it came his turn to speak, religious leader Eric Saarenas admitted that he is not a politician. He conceded defeat but not without challenging whoever will win to refuse acceptance of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (Pork Barrel). He said this is to erase any doubts on the official's integrity and genuine intention to serve the public. Saarenas called for a “change of behavior and character.”

In contrast to the tirades of the candidates in the 2nd District, aspirants for the congressional seat in the 1st District graciously presented their platforms.

City Councilor Alvin Calingin cited the many city ordinances he promulgated, including one for waste recycling and segregation. He expressed intention to build a city college, provide farm-to-market roads in hinterland barangays and subsidize the barangay police. He also declared disapproval for incessant mining and conversion of agricultural lands.

Former city mayor Constantino Jaraula said that he will revive the Golden Mile project which was started during his term as mayor should he win the congressional race. The Golden Mile is a 600-meter walkway and 1-kilometer boulevard along the Cagayan de Oro River Bank. Jaraula stressed that it is important for lawmakers to understand the situation of the Cagayan River to be able to properly manage it and implement flood control measures.  Moreover, Jaruala said that issues on food security, and health and sanitation can be best addressed through better education. He proposed generous scholarship grants for students.

Despite the tongue-lashing that happened earlier, all five candidates showed their solidarity at the end of the forum by reciting an oath reaffirming their commitment to do their duties as public servants.

The congressional candidates’ forum is the first of two fora organized by Xavier. The next round of presentation will be with city level LGU candidates (mayor, vice mayor and councilors) on Apr 30, 2-5 pm at the XU Gym.

RSO believes that a well planned and executed candidate’s fora can be a powerful tool in helping voters maximize their votes. It is also an opportunity to get public commitments from the candidates, especially on issues relating to the environment, health and sanitation, peace and order, good governance and food security.