Quezon City — The historic Kamuning Bakery Café once again served as the vibrant venue for public discourse, hosting a timely forum that tackled pressing political and transportation issues. Held at the café’s iconic location on Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Barangay Kamuning, the event drew members of the media, civic leaders, and concerned citizens eager to hear from key national figures.
The forum featured two prominent speakers: Atty. Israelito Torreon, spokesperson for senatorial aspirant Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, and Mr. Ariel Lim, national president of the National Public Transport Coalition (NPTC). The discussion was moderated by National Press Club (NPC) Director Benedict Abaygar, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas and engaging dialogue.
Atty. Torreon took the floor first, presenting the platform and plans of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, who has recently declared his intention to run for a seat in the Senate. According to Torreon, Pastor Quiboloy’s platform centers on moral governance, national discipline, and socio-economic reforms aimed at uplifting the lives of ordinary Filipinos. Torreon emphasized Quiboloy’s commitment to addressing poverty through agricultural development, job creation, and strengthened social welfare programs.
"Pastor Quiboloy believes that true change begins with moral transformation," Torreon said. "His platform is not only about infrastructure and policy but also about instilling discipline and ethical responsibility among leaders and citizens alike." Torreon also addressed the controversies surrounding Quiboloy, stating that these should not overshadow the aspirant’s legislative agenda and his vision for national progress.
Shifting the spotlight to transportation, Mr. Ariel Lim delivered an impassioned talk on the state of road safety, the surge of road rage incidents, and the myriad transport issues facing the country today. As head of the NPTC, Lim has long been an advocate for better transport policies and stronger enforcement of traffic laws.
"Our roads have become battlegrounds, not only for space but for basic respect and human decency," Lim declared. He called for comprehensive reforms that go beyond punitive measures, advocating for driver education, mental health support for public utility vehicle drivers, and the modernization of transport infrastructure to ensure safety for all road users. Lim also touched on the urgent need to resolve chronic traffic congestion, which he described as "an economic and social cancer draining the productivity of our people."
The forum provided an open floor for questions from the media and the public, sparking lively exchanges on both political and transport-related matters. Director Benedict Abaygar of the National Press Club skillfully steered the conversation, allowing both speakers to elaborate on their points while encouraging diverse perspectives from the audience.
The event at Kamuning Bakery Café not only underscored the importance of public engagement in national issues but also reinforced the role of such forums in fostering informed debate. The café, known for its historical significance and commitment to free speech, proved once again to be a fitting venue for dialogue that bridges political, civic, and grassroots concerns.
Attendees lauded the forum for bringing to light the overlapping challenges of governance and public service, from legislative platforms to everyday transport woes. As the country inches closer to election season, forums like these are expected to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and guiding voter decisions.
With the spirited exchange of ideas and solutions, the Kamuning Bakery Café forum set the tone for more discussions to come, reaffirming the need for collaborative efforts in addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.
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