‘Pare’ in a presidential debate?

The campaign period is a straining time for candidates, it is the time for them to convince voters and look for ways to stand out from other candidates, including debates.

In debates, we see the candidates’ platforms, stances, and sharp minds to answer coherently with conviction. What makes it more intense is the heat of questions, arguments, and the desperation to stand out.

However, this intensity vanished when light moments were shared between two candidates: Isko Moreno and Leody de Guzman.

On the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Presidential Debates #PiliPinasDebates2022 on March 19, 2022. Isko Moreno opened up the demand for the Marcoses to pay their estate tax debt.

"Yung isang pamilyang may utang na 203 Billion na estate tax. Sisiguraduhin natin na sisingilin ko 'yon. Kukunin ko 'yung 200 Billion na 'yon. Ibibigay ko sa magsasaka -- ibibigay ko sa driver bilang ayuda ng taong bayang nangangailangan ng tulong ngayon.” Moreno started.

(English translation: “The estate tax dept of 'that' family will be made sure to be paid. I will take that 200 Billion. I will give it to the farmers-- drivers as assistance to the people who need help now.”)

Isko Moreno's statement gathered support from his co-presidential candidates: De Guzman, Lacson and Robredo. Who shares the same sentiments with him. The absence of Marcos, who is involved with this issue, the four candidates seem to have been feeling themselves up.

They shared the same dynamics and have lightened up the debate with agreements regarding the 203B estate tax debt of the Marcoses.

Ka Leody seemed to get carried away when he surprised Isko when he called him with a friendly appellation.

"Sang-ayon din ako, Pare. (I agree with you, Buddy)." Ka Leody said in the height of their exchanges.

Despite the warning from the mediator regarding the rules of the debate - that the candidates are not allowed to talk to each other, other than questions regarding the issues to be tackled.

Both shared laughs with the amusement of the rather informal endearment Ka Leody called Moreno.

This interaction was one of the moments that lightened the campaign period, beyond formalities, position, and competition. They can and are still typical Filipinos, and that is calling each other 'Pare' like Titos and comrades in every gathering.

This amusing interaction between Ka Leody and Isko; and the agreements between Moreno, De Guzman, Lacson, and Robredo about the estate tax debt of the Marcoses.

Netizens can't help but think that this is the real unity. The solidarity among candidates despite their rivalries in attaining the highest position in the government.