The eight official contenders to the second highest post in the land fearlessly faced the most controversial issues and intriguing questions attributed to their candidacy during the vice presidential “grilling” during GMA 7’s “Isang Tanong: The Vice Presidential Forum,” which was aired late Sunday night.

Grilled during the forum were Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan, lawyer Dominador Chipeco Jr. of Ang Kapatiran Movement, former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando of Bagumbayan-Volunteers for a New Philippines, Senator Loren Legarda of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, former Optical Media Board chairman Edu Manzano of the Lakas-Kampi CMD, Senator Manuel Roxas of the Liberal Party, former broadcaster Jay Sonza of Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, and former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Perfecto Yasay of Bagong Pilipinas Movement.

Of the five questions asked to each of the candidates, the most controversial one thrown to Binay was the question of his opposition to political dynasty, given his family’s long and dominant presence in Makati politics. It was recalled that as a human rights lawyer and activist during the Martial Law era, Binay fought against political dynasty, and yet now, he has anointed his councilor-son to succeed him as mayor of the country’s financial district.

“I have been always against political dynasty. But I cannot hinder the members of my family to offer their service to the public especially if they have the capability to do so. I cannot stop them from running but the decision to elect them remains with the people,” Binay said.

Chipeco was asked if his gloomy ranking on pre-election surveys has discouraged him in pursuing his candidacy. Just like other candidates, Chipeco claimed that the poll results are not basis for one’s victory or failure as a candidate.

Meanwhile, Legarda was made to explain why her political alliances were as unpredictable and easy changing like climate change. It was recalled that the environmentalist-senator was once part of the Lakas CMD party but transferred to the NPC.

“People will not always agree on certain issues all the time especially in a democratic society. Even in the Senate, we vote for our personal convictions and not necessarily along party lines.
Those who change political alliances shouldn’t be perceived as being political butterflies. I for one is not, given the fact that I remained consistent with the opposition,” she added.