Press Release
September 15, 2009

Loren agrees 2010 bets must dwell on issues

Senator Loren Legarda said today that she has been consistent, both in action and words, in opposing the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, stressing that she was one of only five senators who thumbed down the VFA when it was put to a vote in the Senate in 1998.

Loren issued the statement in reaction to a fellow senator's admonition to potential presidential candidates in the 2010 elections to speak out on important issues like the VFA and the Health Reproductive Bill, instead of harping on their survey standings.

"I have always maintained the position that the agreement was not in the best interest of the Philippines and that it was heavily tilted in favor of the US. This had been proven time and again in cases involving offenses committed by visiting American soldiers," she said.

On the Reproductive Health Bill, Loren maintained that she had always been pro-life and that her conscience would dictate her position when the matter is put to a vote.

"I totally agree with Senator Joker Arroyo that the other candidates must not evade such issues because by making a stand, the campaign and the election can be elevated to that of issues and the visions of the candidates," said Loren.

The senator said that survey results constantly change and that they are heavily influenced by access to mass media and the use of advertisements by candidates, especially those who have sizeable campaign war chests.

While surveys can guide candidates on the conduct of their campaigns, Loren said their results cannot be taken as reflective of how the people would actually vote.

"Our people must guard against trending efforts by those who are hitching their candidacies to the 'bandwagon effect,'" said Loren.

"At the end of the day, the candidates must be scrutinized on their sincerity to serve, their vision for the country and what they intend to do to solve problems relating to poverty, health care, the environment and corruption in government."

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