The lone candidates’ forum series in Bohol was a success even as some gubernatorial and congressional bets skipped the event dubbed “Your Voice, Our Choice,” said an official of the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) which organized the triennial activity.

According to BCCI president Albert Uy, gubernatorial and congressional candidates from the Third District successfully conveyed their platforms and stand on various issues through the series of fora held on Tuesday and on April 16.

Gubernatorial bets Deputy Speaker Arthur Yap and Roberto “Amay Bisaya” Reyes and congressional candidates Vice Governor Dionisio Balite, retired judge Carlos Fernando and Board Member Alexie Tutor joined the forums which tackled various issues including livelihood, living condition, environment, food security, agriculture, power, water, sanitation, sewerage, tourism, information technology, investment, and transportation or traffic.

Cheche Toribio-Delos Reyes skipped the congressional forum due to a prior commitment that required her presence in Manila on April 16 while Evasco begged off from joining the gubernatorial forum on Tuesday, citing “limited” time allocation for candidates to answer the forum’s introductory question “why should the Boholano people vote for me.”

According to Uy, the BCCI needed not to reply to Evasco’s request.

Uy said that the rules and mechanics of the BCCI candidates’ forum have been applied in four editions of the event held during the past three election seasons in 2010, 2013 and 2016 and the current campaign period.

However, Uy said that the BCCI respected the decisions of Evasco and of all the other candidates who begged off from the series of fora for gubernatorial and congressional candidates.

“We are just here to invite. Gi-respetuhan nato ng decision sa tanang mga kandidato labina panahon na sa pangampanya medyo hectic kaayo ilang mga schedule,” he said in an earlier interview.

The BCCI official also clarified that the event was a forum, not a debate. It allowed candidates to share to the public their plans and projects for the province if elected.

According to Uy, the BCCI is impartial and is not supporting any candidate contrary to rumors indicating that it is favoring some candidates.

The series of fora was organized for the public to be guided on who to vote for during the midterm elections, he added. (rt)