Did Noynoy Leave The Presidential Forum Because He Was Struggling?
Monday, November 23, 2009 at 4:31PM 
So last night on GMA, at the ungodly hour of 11pm, was the gameshow that everyones talking about til this very minute--Isang Tanong, the Presidential forum. This was one of the few opportunities where we were able to see the crop of men, one eventually going to be chosen to lead us for the next 6 years, answering questions regarding national interest. In my opinion, it was clear that Gibo was on top of his game. He answered swiftly, was very sharp and had just enough confidence that kept me dangling on every word. I thought Manny Villar was thrown the toughest question (I enjoy seeing the tough questions) and I thought he answered it thoroughly, albeit a bit self-promoting, but I was satisfied never the less. As in my previous blog about this topic, all eyes were on Noynoy, likely because Noynoy is the survey leader by a sizable margin and we would all like to see how he fares under a bit of pressure. Does he have the ability to move me? Is he eloquent in his delivery? Is he coherent? And is there substance to what he is saying. I think many of us were left a bit disappointed because it was obvious that he failed to produce. I am not anti-Noynoy by any means, but I do want to be very critical of him because if elections were today, he'd likely be the winner.
If there were an officially scoring, I'd give 1) Gibo 2) Villar 3) Fernando. Just based on lastnight's performance and nothing else. (I'm still disappointed at Gibo for the Manzano pick and a little ticked off at Villar for his Pacquiao backing cause it shows their willingness to bend over for celebrity star power).
Chismis time: In the surprise question round, it did look like Erap was removing his headphones when they were supposed to not hear what their rival contestant was saying, I couldn't be sure but it wasn't only us at home who noticed it, apparently, the staff were aware of the same. And here is a bit on information you might not know. This is a two-part show, last night and then the other half to be aired this Sunday. The next episode was supposed to have a twist where we will see the presidentiables ask questions to each other, but guess who isn't going to be there? Noynoy. Apparently, right after the taping of the first show, he stood up and said he had to leave for some official reason. The other half of the program (next week's episode) wasn't finished--shoot, it didn't even start. So unfortunately, this pivotal episode will not have the guy most of us came to see. Rumor has it that because Noynoy wasn't answering very well, it was decided by his people, that it would be best if he did not take part in the 2nd half. What answer Senator Aquino gave to GMA on why he was leaving, I don't know at this point. However, what could be more important? I would understand if it were a medical emergency, but is there anything else more important at that time than finishing this program? Wasn't he aware when they scheduled the show taping that day, that you should be prepared to finish your obligation to the show and not just that, to the public who are so eager to see you and hear your views? Is the rumor true that he ran away because he was struggling? What do you guys think?
I assume we have to wait for the answer "the camp" will say, so far, I haven't heard it yet. If any of you know why, then please let me know because I am very much intrigued. Perhaps I'm putting too much value to this topic but I just do care very much about this. And remember, this was just hearsay. I wasn't there, just a viewer.
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Reader Comments (205)
gibo was spot-on with his answers. galing ng mga sagot nya.
funny sms i received the other day. lasalle ateneo pa rin kaya kinuha ni gibo si edu.
it's gibo/edu vs noy/mar! lol
the more noynoy talks the more supporters are leaving his camp...
it's really nice to know you're in this Mo, keep it up Man.
Anyway, yes, Gibo had this one in the bag. Apart from him picking Edu for his VP, I think if he wins, there won't be much change. him being tied up with the admin and GMA. I'd still go with Villar on election day.
I agree with lem...
Yes, if the elections were today, he would have won but what really is his platform? The answers he gave last night were so vague (and it's not because of the time, trust me)...
I find him too weak and lacks conviction...If he really has something to show then by all means, let us see or hear it...
I was one of the attendees during the "Isang Tanong" taping at GMA 7, and I can attest that the taping of the second epiisode did happen, despite the absence of Noynoy. Indeed, the "twist" was formatted to suit the seven remaining candidate. While I share the view that Noynoy should have stayed on until 5PM, I don't think that it's fair to say that he has other obligations less important than this forum. Let him be accountable for his actions, and let's not judge the person based on a single action (or lack thereof).
Disclaimer: I am by no means a supporter of ANY of the presidential wannabes. I just want things to be clear and based on eye-witness accounts, not some "look like" statement of a person who did not even attend the forum proper.
Let's stop patting Mo on the back.
On the contrary, people in his camp have been very excited about isang tanong isang sagot.
He left because the 2nd half airs on November 29.
Mr Aquino files for candidacy on Nov 28. That means he can't participate in these things beginning NOv 28 until February 9.
I.E. he is following COMELEC rules.
Funny but I think Noynoy surprisingly gave pretty good answers, was sharp, spontaneous, has meat, and straight to the point although he speaks a little bit too fast maybe because he was conscious of the time and wanted to say as much within the limit given. It 's a pity if many in the audience or those watching on television weren't able to pick up much of what he said.
It goes without saying that he didn't struggle with the questions to make it the reason for leaving early. I hope you find out the real reason and update us on your blog.
Gibo really came out with very confident answers and one could easily surmise that he's one smart man. His convictions seem strong. It's really too bad he's allied with PGMA. She's like the kiss of death to his chances of winning the race.
I think Noynoy came as prepared as he could get. His answers sounded canned to my ears. I'm sure Kris had him media trained for this exercise. But even he cannot disguise how uncomfortable he was with the way he delivered his answers. The guy barely breathed in between! Besides, his posture said it all.
Mo, I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts to all of us regarding this serious matter. One point that I would like to give emphasis on though is it's not just about being smart at answering questions, and delivering messages that people want to hear (which these candidates are very good at to persuade people to vote them) - it might give the people the wrong idea that the person who deserve their votes is the one who speaks best. Obama was good at speaking as well, especially during the campaign, I am not sure though if the Americans right now are satisfied with how their beloved country is doing, or if it is actually going in the way that their leader initially promised. I guess, we should not only use our ears, but also our eyes, to see who among them DID (DID is an action word) something to make a change in our country to the fullest of their capacity, and who among them has a good vision of what the Philippines should be like for the common good of the people. If you are going to ask me, I will not vote because of machinery, not because of political ads, not because of good speeches, etc. I will vote the person who I think will make the Philippines a better place to live in.
you ranked bayani at number 3? are you kidding me?
he's the second worst person there, next to erap. even the councilor from QC answered the questions better than him.
Mo,
I love you mate! I thought you were shallow. I am with you on your observation about Villar and Gibo. My heart really twitch with excitement at your comment with these two ambitious figures. By picking celebrities, Villar and Gibo are really shamelessly disperate to win the election. It shows poor judgment and potentially another crook in Malacannang. Probably worst.
NONOY is a real nerve cracking fellow. He really scares me plus his people are shamelessly flirting Erap and Bong Bong Marcos. I am one of the doubters on his capability.
Congrats on your blog Mo. I am a big fan of yours. Keep it up mate and more power. I am just lurking around you heh he he he...
Ronnie Silva
Yokohama Japan
Damn it....I missed the debate.. But good thing is, I wasn't able to see how weak Noynoy is in answering questions based on this blog... So, as of now, I'm still a fan of Noynoy....
Noynoy I believe is very much different from his late father, Ninoy. If the people behind him running thinks he can just piggy back on the solid reputation of his parents, I think they are mistaken.
I just can picture Ninoy not backing out of that presidential forum because it is the arena where all of them are now being judged if they are worthy to be voted as president of our country.
Guys, if Noynoy did walk out because of valid or invalid reasons, then be it. As far as I am concerned that is a point against him, yes? Heck, even Erap, didn't leave, right?
I know Gibo is a really intelligent person but i'm contradicting myself here because i also think that he's a dumbass. Why? Because he picked Edu Manzano as a running mate!!! I mean C'MON I'm sure he could have done better!!!
i really am NOT a fan of politics, but let me just say 3 three things:
1. Based on what I've heard and learned from Noynoy:
a. He's one of the favorites just because he's the son of the parents of phil. modern democracy
b. I've seen his "passing-on-the-torch" TVC, and it symbolizes what he can utilize: fame, money, and sympathy
c. Imagine this: take away his familial ties, his fame, his money, and his sympathy... what has he got to be the man on top?
2. observing gibo during his "Ondoy/Pepeng search and rescue" stints on TV, i could see that he really was composed with everything... and TACTFUL. I know that in politics, practicality and morality try to outweigh each other. But in his case, I do believe that he was being more practical than moral. I'm not saying that I'm undermining the "where did the disaster funds go?" issue.. all im saying is that gibo, given that he's not the man in charge solely, was trying to take charge of the situation in the most practical and human way possible.
3. the other presidentiables... hay... i could go all day with this sheet... but i'm too tamad to continue...so i'll just leave it at that first... =)
...Aming ligaya, na pag ma'y mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo....
jaune pais, I'm not looking for pats on the back and if you read closely (if your vision allows you) then you would notice that it said "chismis". And being there, you would also be aware of the other rules the presidentiables broke like "how many advisors youre allowed to bring with you"...apparently, a few of them like noynoy and villar had a battalion of people with them.
regarding the comelec rules, you may be right on certain parts but i interviewed 3 constitutional lawyers today regarding comelec rules on tv exposure because as of now, it isnt very clear on whats allowed for this elections compared to prior ones. I'm hoping to write an article about it (thats why i interviewed them) so even your inputs would be much appreciated.
now let me pat myself on the back for having you take the time to read this. cheers =)
nice MO ^+^
as much as i want to watch it, i choose to sleep early coz of school. well, i really do hope na sana, maaga na yung time slot nya next sunday. i believe kasi na marami gusto manood nun, its just that most of us may maagang commitment like school or work.
anyway, nice blog mo! keep it up.
Dear everyone,
Whoever you thought 'won' or 'lost' on last Sunday's Presidential Forum, it has nothing to do as to what would actually happen. I mean no one knows what exactly would happen right after the 2010 election. For me, yeah, the i-need-to-hear-from-you kinda thing is required from our 'presidentiables'. But hey, they're just words (no matter how seemingly convincing they were). We cant afford to buy on those right away, make it as a basis and vote for them. We need action coming from these people.
As for me, having a forum like this is 100% waste. We need action. I mean walk the talk. Or do the walk even without the talk, much better.
Just a thought, is the presidential post the only post you must be in, in order to serve the country well and make that necessary change needed by it?
Oh well, much has been said.
Thanks Mo! More Power!
Silent type daw kasi si noynoy at actions speaks louder daw. Eh pano yun, ang nagawa niya sa senado eh "pagtulong" sa imbestigasyon?
Sakin lang si noynoy eh parang political type ng F4, uso lang.