FOLLOWING LAST YEAR’S debacle, the slates of the Nationalist Youth and Progressive Democrats (NYPD) and the San Bigkis Party (SBP) convened cordially at the Miting de Avance (MDA) and Election Debates organized by the San Beda – Electoral Board (ELBO), ahead of #BotoBedista2024, at Jonathan Sy Auditorium last May 9.
Prior to this MDA, last year’s edition was shrouded in controversy after NYPD’s Kurt Casano and SBP’s Arlene Sol traded personal attacks, leading to a fallout in which voters opted to abstain from voting for a Student Council (SC) President.
“So, this year, ‘yung pinagtuunan namin ng pansin is ‘yung pag-brief ng mga candidates, mga panelists, and mga other members na will take part in this event. So, ‘yon talaga ang pinaka-crucial, para maiwasan ‘yong nangyari last year,” says ELBO Commissioner Kasten Hernandez, citing the further precautions they took to remind candidates of the proper decorum before the event.
Additionally, ELBO Commissioner Rochelle Soriano concurred with her fellow commissioner, stating, “We really took notice of the guidelines and reminders during and even before the event. ‘Yung sa mga things na possible mangyari, we looked forward to na rin.”
“However, it is kind of contradicting kasi this is probably one of the smoothest… and probably the most peaceful [MDA] so far,” Soriano elaborated.
Formally commencing the MDA, candidates from both contending parties introduced their slate. The YOURS slate of the NYPD began with an opening statement from presidential candidate, Mari Okol, followed by a SBP LAYAG lead-in with a monologue from Zebastian Villarama.
After this, candidates from each slate were offered a chance to inquire into the platforms of their rivals in the question-and-answer segment.
Then came the panel discussion, wherein representatives from professional organizations asked questions directed towards specific candidates regarding the position they are vying for.
The speed round began shortly afterwards, which sought to gauge the political awareness of the candidates on pressing topics such as the disputes on the West Philippine Sea, legalization of fraternities, medical marijuana, and the institutionalization of SBU Freedom Wall, among others.
To cap off the MDA, candidates engaged in the debate proper, which aimed to “garner the opinions of candidates towards relevant internal and external issues,” this includes the impeachment of incompetent officers, budget of professional organizations, stance on traditional politics, and whether students should speak up against the administration.
Sol, now serving as SBP’s Chairperson, deemed the event a “success,” stating, “Talagang nagamit ‘tong platform na ‘to so the candidates can state their platforms and explain their platforms well. I can say that I am proud of the LAYAG slate kasi talagang in-exceed nila ‘yung expectations namin.”
Accordingly, NYPD’s campaign manager, Ylijahn Guarino, commended the performance of the candidates, sharing, “I was amazed by how much they’ve grown. I’ve seen how they personified yung pagkatao nila on their platforms, and how they really did their best to showcase genuine Bedan leadership for San Beda.”
Ahead of the General Elections, Soriano called upon the student body, “Ang message ko to the Bedan community is that… mangilatis sila ng candidates and they should observe their campaigning—and ‘yung MDA kanina—so they can vote for a deserving leader of the student body.”
(with Nathaniel Soriano)