The Senate, it being an August body where laws of varying areas in governance are crafted, is a virtual community of people with various interests not necessarily one knowing everything. Hence, we look at this elections by filtering the aspirants to the Senate based on their expertise and advocacy.
There is no need to engage these candidates in a virtual clash of heads in a manner that debates are necessary to weigh the fitness of the presidency, for example. It’s a different yardstick we use when measuring multi-representations to a one-to-one electoral battle. So if we force Senatorial aspirants into a debate, naturally they will not engage themselves head on as they prefer to speak on their chosen advocacies and background.
If we speak of an advocacy on women empowerment and children, this particular narrative deserves a seat in the Senate. As integral as peace and order and economics, or environment protection, the advocacy on gender sensitivity and children is a valuable component of our legislative system. However, not every candidate with a chosen advocacy or matching gender can be said to be tailor-for to represent such valuable subject to the halls of the Senate. It cannot be said that while opposition Senatorial aspirant Samira Gutoc presents herself as a champion for women’s advocacy, she is already the right fit. While Gutoc sells herself as such, people are seeing it differently especially after the recent debates presented by a television network. She appeared annoyingly combative unlike the feisty brilliance of the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Many other candidates outside Gutoc present themselves as champions but do not seem to have the support, charisma and depth that will qualify for an legislative advocate.
With just about two weeks before millions of Filipinos cast their votes, the electorate need to know the candidates and their ‘representations’ in a society that needs more men of varied interests to be part of this very important assembly.
