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Discuss: Philippine Election Issues and Presidential Candidates

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L to R: Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino, JC De Los Reyes, Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Nicanor Perlas, Gilbert Teodoro, Eduardo Villanueva, and Sen. Manuel Villar. (Noel Celis/AFP/Getty Images)
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L to R: Sen. Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino, JC De Los Reyes, Sen. Richard Gordon, Sen. Jamby Madrigal, Nicanor Perlas, Gilbert Teodoro, Eduardo Villanueva, and Sen. Manuel Villar. (Noel Celis/AFP/Getty Images)

Despite delays caused by new automated voting machines, millions of Filipinos headed to the polls this week to elect a new president. With a large percent of the election results in, the leading presidential candidate is Benigo “Noynoy” Aquino III, son of former president Corazon Aquino.

What do you think are the most important issues in the 2010 elections? Should the candidates address corruption and accountability in the Philippine government, crime and violence, the economy?

Join the discussion below.

Bert | 02:09:10 01:50pm
The issues that have brought down the Philippines for decades are government corruption and political dynasties that keep perpetuating the corruption. Let's get someone in that is not beholden to anyone, does not have to play games, has the moral integrity to be comfortable with his or her lifestyle and does not need outside influences to enhance this lifestyle.
Pablo C | 02:09:10 01:46pm
I think definitely all the candidates should address the items listed above. Actually there was a televised presidential debate at UP a couple days ago. Many of these issues were pointed to the candidates. I think the main important issues for this election, would be to keep business issues consistent to investors, pass the Reproductive health bill, and keep spending on infrastructure and development. Repealing of the Lina law would be great but highly unlikely.
Mandarambong | 02:07:10 08:26pm
whoever is elected president in may 2010, he or she has to have the Political Will to implement the laws, because corruption can only be lessened (lets be realistic, it will not be eliminated) if laws are implemented vigilantly. we do have the laws, problem is in the implementation.
theleth | 02:05:10 10:08pm
Apart from blatant corruption, there is one other thing that needs to change in the Philippines. There must be individual accountability and responsibility. Yes, we always blame the government and with good reason. However, I also think that we, as a people, need to be pliable to change. Even if we get lucky enough to elect a strong leader, he can only do so much. We desperately need someone to inspire us to be better.
itram | 02:05:10 08:07pm
I have been disillusioned with Philippine politics for the longest time. The issues which have plagued this country since decades earlier are the same until now. Though corruption cannot be totally eliminated, realistically all i can wish for is that it should be at least controlled or lessened to a certain extent so that the country can at least be left with something to heal itself.
Fil-Am in CA | 02:04:10 09:21pm
I think corruption among government officials is one of the most pressing issues facing the Philippines, and it's a problem that has plagued the nation since the Marcos era. There will be no economic progress until this issue is addressed head-on and officials who are found guilty of wrongdoing should be held accountable.
JplusOandD | 02:04:10 03:58pm
The same issues that had been left unanswered for many years: 1) Comprehensive land reform 2) National industrialization 3) Prosecution of perpetrators of the abuses during the Marcosian era and beyond (and the establishment of an independent Truth Commission) 4) Political dynasties and violence 5) Church-State divide - reproductive health, LGBT and women's issues, etc. 6) Quality public education 7) Democratic reform and citizenship (what they mean in everyday terms minus the soap operatic propaganda)

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