Dr. Carl Balita has one burning question he wants to ask entertainer Willie Revillame.

“Do you understand the role of a senator?

“I want to ask him, if he understands the role of senator.  I think the public wants him to answer that. Not because, I don’t want him to win, but I want to give him a platform to explain more, why winning is more important to him than being prepared to the job.

“You can’t be admitted to the job, then learn about the job later, it’s basic,” he said.

Dr. Carl launched on Nov. 8 his own 60-minute talk program, Plataporma, an in-depth chat which aims to showcase the political plans and programs being espoused by mostly senatorial candidates in anticipation of the May 2025 elections.

He says it is important that the people get to know the minds of politicians as it is they who will create a difference in the lives of the people and the country in general.

A joint project between The Manila Times and Dr. Carl Balita Productions, “Plataporma’ 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.

To air every Friday from 5 to 6 p.m., “Plataporma with Dr. Carl E. Balita” will be simulcast on

the following social media platforms and stations:

· Facebook: Carl E. Balita – 1,300,000 followers;

· YouTube: @DrCarlBalita – almost 400,000 subscribers;

· Tiktok: @DrCarlBalita – almost 300,000 followers with 3,600,000 combined likes;

· Shared by 200 CBRC (Dr. Carl E. Balita Review Center) branches nationwide;

· Manila Times; DZME; and other cable channels.

Dr. Carl adds, “Before you hire a househelp, you have to ask her some basic questions, her background, where she came from.

We ask potential drivers their NBI clearance, things like those.”

Among those who have signified their intention to guest on the program are Rep. Teddy Casiño, Rep. Wilbert Lee, former senators Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino.

Find out the answers of your candidates to the question: “Do you want to be a senator just so you can provide financial help (ayuda) to people?”

Dr. Carl hosted “Radyo Negosyo” on DZMM for 20 years. He was named “Best Media Personality in Public Service” by the Golden Dove Awards.

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PASSERBY:

Shaina Magdayao says joining international film festivals has made her realize Filipino film creatives can really compete with their foreign counterparts given our limited production budgets. She called on consumers and government to protect the interests of our film artists by not patronizing pirated materials.

Shaina, Kim Atienza and Edu Manzano graced a November 13 forum on Cybercrime at Marriot Hotel upon invitation of Globe Philippines and GMA Network.