Times’ Balita program to educate voters

THE MANILA Times columnist Carl Balita has launched a program primarily designed to educate Filipino voters and help them campaign for political candidates, especially in the May 2025 midterm elections.

Given the huge number of candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy for various elective posts, Balita said his new program would limit interviewing only those aspirants for senators and party-list representatives.

“We will try to get up close and personal with the aspiring senators and party-list representatives as we get to talk about their political plans and programs that will create a difference in the lives of the people and the country in general,” said Balita, also a senatorial candidate in 2022 who lost after garnering 5 million votes.

Co-produced by The Manila Times, the Dr. Carl Balita Productions will bring “Plataporma (Platforms) with Dr. Carl E. Balita,” an in-depth interview with the political aspirants which aims “to inform the masses not just about the qualifications of the people who want their votes but also how the political system in the Philippines works.”

“It is a free-flowing and casual conversation with the aspirants featuring the following segments: ‘Plataporma and Programa’ — where aspirants will get to talk about their plans and programs and what they stand for that will benefit the people and the country in general,” Balita said.

The program segments include the “Data Po sa Amin” — where aspirants will give data-driven information related to their concerns; “Pili-Pinoy” — where aspirants get to listen and answer rapid questions from the masses based on their stand; and “Ang Aking Kumpisal” — where aspirants get to be intimate and honest with the people.

Premiering on Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., the program will be simulcast on social media platforms and stations including Facebook where he enjoys 1.3-million followers; YouTube with almost 400,000 subscribers; and Tiktok with almost 300,000 followers with 3,600,000 combined likes.

“The program will also be shared by 200 CBRC (Dr. Carl E. Balita Review Center) branches nationwide; The Manila Times; DZME; and other cable channels,” said Balita.

A recipient of the “Best Media Personality in Public Service” trophy from the Golden Dove Awards and host for 20 years of “Radyo Negosyo” over DZMM, Balita said he was grateful to partner with The Manila Times.

As part of the premiere simulcast, Balita said former national security adviser Clarita Carlos will provide ideas on how to choose a senator.

Balita said he also partnered with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Quezon City and various colleges and universities, which will endorse the program and the Royal Care Marketing Services Inc. as its primary sponsor.