By Kathleen Mae M. Idnani and Easter Paz Issa D. Paulmanal

Seven senatorial candidates for the Philippine mid-term elections faced UPLB students and voiced their stand on various issues in “Ang Pagsusuri: Pagkilatis sa mga Susunod ng mga Lingkod-Bayan” held January 31, 2013 at the D. L. Umali Auditorium.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Greco Belgica, Rizalito David, Baldomero Falcone, Marwil Llasos, and Christian Seneres participated in the discussions which revolved around issues like mining, sin taxes, reproductive health, cybercrime prevention, K-12 education, divorce, and campus militarization. They later on talked about their political platforms which centered on health, environment, education, and security among many others.

Miriam Grace Go from Rappler, Atty. Damcel Torres of the UPLB College of Public Affairs, UPLB University Student Council Chairperson Abigaile  Dela Cruz, and Joan Nacorda of the UPLB Parliament served as panelists.

After the open forum, the candidates recited the “Panata para sa Kabataang Pilipino” and signed a contract of commitment as a commitment to the audience and the people as a whole that they will perform their duties once elected.

Ang Pagsusuri was made possible by the UP Student Council, UP Padayon, UPLB Student Council, CDC Student Council, and other organizations.