Growing political maturity of Filipinos noted as viewers watch Isang Tanong

A newspaper article noted Wednesday the growing political maturity of Filipinos as more television viewers opted to watch GMA’s “Isang Tanong" over the coronation night of “Miss Philippines Earth" aired on ABS-CBN. The article, "More TV viewers preferred ‘Isang Tanong’ to beauty tilt" published at Philippine Daily Inquirer, quoted the results of an AGB Nielsen Mega Manila overnight survey showing a viewership rating of 17 percent for the GMA show. Its rival show garnered 11.1 percent share of viewers. The first part of the ‘Isang Tanong’ aired Sunday night and featured 13 of the 36 senatorial candidates. The second part of the forum will be aired on May 6. “It strictly adhered to the Commission on Elections’ rule of equal time for candidates both in and out of the studio by posing to all of them four questions, each to be answered in 90 seconds max," the article said. A six member panel of journalists asked the candidates questions. The candidates were divided into a groups of two to three. A common question was asked and those in the group were called one by one to answer while the other candidates were on a sound-proof booth. The candidates were also asked to answer questions formulated by the other senatorial candidates. Among the candidates featured on the first part of the forum were Edgardo Angara of Team Unity, Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III of Genuine Opposition, Alan Peter Cayetano (GO), Anna Dominique “Nikki" Coseteng (GO), Francis “Chiz" Escudero (GO), Sonia Roco (GO), Luis “Chavit" Singson (TU) and Miguel Zubiri (TU). Antonio Trillanes IV (GO) participated in the forum from his detention cell at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig. The article further said “‘Isang Tanong" also offered a rare chance for the less-known candidates -- Dr. Martin Bautista and Adrian Sison of Ang Kapatiran, Felix Cantal of the Philippine Green Republican Party and Ruben Enciso of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan -- to be seen and heard by the TV-viewing public." - GMANews.TV