The headlines have been dominated by the highly anticipated debate between Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio regarding the West Philippine Sea.

Pundits and news anchors have been dissecting every statement, condition, and retort. The Philippine Bar Association even stepped in to moderate to ensure fairness, civility, and transparency in what is being positioned as a crucial national event.

But as the spotlight shines on these verbal jousts, I cannot help but ask: who truly benefits from this show of rhetorical prowess?

For ordinary Filipinos, the spectacle of public figures challenging one another to a debate — on television, with formal moderators and strict protocols — feels distant from their everyday realities.

While the political elite showcase their intellect and argue over legal nuances, millions of Filipinos are grappling with rising food prices, inadequate healthcare, unreliable public transportation, and uncertainty about their future.

I actually voted for Marcoleta after closely following his work as a party-list representative in the House of Representatives. I was impressed by his determination and willingness to stand firm against the majority, regardless of the odds.

After reflecting on the roster of senators since the passing of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, I thought we might benefit from having someone like Marcoleta in the Senate to create laws that genuinely address our challenges.

As a senator, he would have a guaranteed platform to engage with the public during plenary debates, unlike Carpio who had no such platform. What could Marcoleta gain from this since he had already won? Unless, of course, he wants to provide Carpio with a platform in the Filipino consciousness.

We should be more concerned about how this disconnects us from the real struggles of Filipinos. Too often, these debates become less about substance and more about scoring points, about who appears more credible or who can deliver the wittiest one-liners.

The time and resources spent on these staged debates could instead be used to empower Filipinos to push for policies and grassroots dialogues that will truly address their daily needs.

Are these spectacles truly necessary for solving real problems, or are they merely political theater?

We must insist that our leaders prioritize real solutions over empty rhetoric, inspiring Filipinos to feel responsible and motivated to hold officials accountable for addressing issues that matter most.

It is in the quiet resolve to address the mundane struggles of life that true wisdom resides.

Leaders who embrace this path understand that progress is not found. We must demand more than just empty rhetoric from our leaders. What we need is real action that tackles the pressing issues we face every day. Let the military safeguard the West Philippine Sea.

The media should not help distract from what matters most in our lives by avoiding debates in the grandeur of their proclamations, but by pursuing the sincerity of their actions.

Real change that saves lives begins with practical steps, not lofty rhetoric. Focus on reality, please.

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