CHATTO, DE LA SERNA |
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Reelectionist
Rep. Edgar Chatto fielded questions and issues with
his challenger, former OIC Gov. Victor dela Serna during
the congressional bets' episode of the Candidates' Forum
sponsored by Station dyRD, dyZD and BCCTV.
Both
candidates were asked what would be the first bill they
would file if elected/reelected as congressman.
Dela
Serna said the first House bill he would file is for
the abolition of the expanded value added tax (EVAT)
which he says is burdensome and oppressive to the poor.
Dela Serna said
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that
the theory of taxation is to "tax the rich more to give
to the poor."
Meanwhile,
Chatto said his first bill would be to provide cheaper medicines
to the public. In fact, Chatto said, deliberations are ongoing
in Congress for cheaper drugs to address the high cost of
medicines.
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Asked
to respond to allegations of corruption in congress,
Chatto pointed out that a perceived culture of corruption
in government has dragged members of the House into
alleged graft and corruption. The congressman explained
that funds for projects are funneled into the implementing
agencies and not through the congressmen.
Chatto
said he "vehemently disagrees with the accusations
and denies any involvement" to the supposed corruption
in Congress as regular reporting on the use of funds
is made to the Commission on Audit by the implementing
agencies.
Dela
Serna further alleged that each congressman received
P80-million in pork barrel allocations this year. He
said these were used to fund the purchase of overpriced
computer units, which has become the project of choice
of congressmen.
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On
the issue of constitutional change, Dela Serna said that there
is no need to alter the Charter. He said change is needed
among government officials and not the constitution as attempted
by the Arroyo government through Constituent Assembly and
Peoples' Initiative.
Chatto
agreed with dela Serna that a change in character of government
officials is needed. However, he said the constitution must
be reviewed in order to respond to the present and future
needs of the country.
Dela
Serna also questioned how Chatto voted for Con-Ass while he
is telling the public that he is for constitutional convention.
Chatto said that the main reason why he joined the majority
of house members to go for Con-Ass was due to the controversy
raised if the two houses of congress will vote as one or separately
on the proposal to convert both houses of congress into a
constituent assembly.
In
connection with the issue of Charter change, the congressional
bets were asked regarding their stand on foreign ownership
when the Cha-cha pushes through.
Chatto
said agricultural and residential lands must be protected
in favor of the interest of Filipinos. However, if foreign
ownership will mean additional investments to help the economy
and mean job opportunities for Filipinos the foreign ownership
issue has to be studied well.
Dela
Serna, for his part, said he has no strong position for or
against foreign ownership, however, he said that the interest
of Filipinos must be given foremost consideration over foreign
interest.
On
the issue of anti-political dynasty, Dela Serna favors a no
reelection policy for public officials. Dela Serna said that
relatives of public officials, up to fourth civil degree of
consanguinity and affinity, must be banned from holding public
office.
However,
Dela Serna noted that the present anti-political dynasty bill
will not be passed by both houses of Congress as congressmen
and senators are more interested to hold power and share it
with their family members.
On
the other hand, Chatto said he has no objections in passing
the anti-political dynasty law, however, the term "political
dynasty" should be properly defined in the law and should
be adopted if ever a constitutional convention will be convened
to amend the Charter.
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