12 of 12 HARAPAN: 2010 PRESIDENTIAL FORUM -GORDON, NOYNOY, TEODORO, JC, ERAP, BRO EDDIE, NICK PERLAS

HARAPAN: 2010 PRESIDENTIAL FORUM - GORDON, NOYNOY, TEODORO, JC, ERAP, BRO EDDIE, NICK PERLAS PART 12 FINAL

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/02/09/4-bets-shine-ancs-harapan

4 bets shine in ANC's Harapan: analysts

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by Kristine Servando, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak | 12/03/2009 3:16 AM

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MANILA - Four presidential candidates gave strong performances at ANC's "Harapan: The Presidential Forum" on Wednesday, according to several political and media analysts.

Among the experts' favorites were Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino Jr., Sen. Richard "Dick" Gordon, former Defense Sec. Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr., and former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

Imaging expert Emily Abrera said Aquino, Teodoro, and Gordon made the most sense and "didn't waffle" when they answered questions on morality, as well as their views on political dynasties, population control, insurgency, and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's bid for a congressional seat.

Abrera said the candidates also appeared cool and collected, probably because they had prepared well for the forum.

"Regardless of the quality of their responses, Noynoy, Gibo, Gordon, and even Estrada - as witty as his answers were-- directly answered the questions," said polling firm Pulse Asia President Ronald D. Holmes.

The forum, held a day after the deadline of filing for certificates of candidacy, was held in partnership with Manila Bulletin, the Philippine Star, the University of Santo Tomas, and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

"Harapan" is part of a series of election-related forums and debates held by ABS-CBN in the run up to the 2010 polls. Other presidential candidates who joined the forum were Nicanor Perlas, JC de los Reyes, and Bro. Eddie Villanueva.

Improvements

Many of the top-ranked candidates at the forum showed improved performances compared to their previous showings at forums or informal surveys.

Marites Vitug, managing director ABS-CBN's news website, abs-cbnNEWS.com, noted that Aquino was more composed than his prior appearances on live forums. "It's hard to rank, but... tonight was a good showing by Aquino and Teodoro and Gordon," she added.

Holmes said Teodoro was more specific about his plans for issues like the Ampatuan town massacre or how to dismantle political dynasties. "But that's part of the platform of any candidate. Some came better prepared than others," he said.

Based on an unscientific poll conducted by abs-cbnNEWS.com for the forum, Teodoro enjoyed a jump in voter preference based on perceived credibility.

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