Debate with Mare at Pare (1998)

Debate with Mare at Pare is a highly watched open debate show in the Philippines. It is aired every late night Thursdays on GMA Network. It is hosted by Pareng Oscar Orbos and Mareng Winnie Monsod. The program has been awarded by the Philippine Movie Press Club as best public affairs program and best talk show by the Catholic Mass Media Awards. Debate is the first of its kind in the country, combining information and entertainment in discussing various issues. The hosts act as moderators of the debate. Debate pioneered the use of highly computerized televoting system, wherein televiewers cast their votes on the featured issue. These include SMS, internet voting, and telephone voting. From 1998 to 2000, pagers were used when SMS were not yet in the market, Debate first aired on November 18, 1998. From February to June 2001, Mrs. Monsod was briefly replaced by TV news anchor Mel Tiangco when she ran for the position of senator. The program is confrontational, bold, fiery, spontaneous, and highly opinionated. Not only that, it has become a venue for people to reach out and even confront Philippine officials. It has also become an important tool in policy making decision of Philippine leaders.