Guns, Goons and Gold should stop ruling elections, you say? Then demand that your leaders put their mouths where their money is. Demand that they subject their platforms and plans to the challenges of competing ideas on a level playing field.

ANC’s top-rating Current Affairs program, “Square Off,” true to its commitment to raise the level of public discourse, embarks on a new season that could well change the face of Philippine politics forever.

The new season, dubbed “The Civics Debates,” pits potential rivals for a local elective position against each other in a one-on-one format designed to test their understanding of governance, public service and the most pressing needs of their localities. Voters receive the rare opportunity to weigh their options on Election Day based on a rational comparison, uncolored by the white noise of typical campaign gimmickry.

“May the better man or woman win!” says Square Off executive producer and moderator Twink Macaraig. But she hastens to add that “The Civics Debates” will not declare winners, but rather, let the viewers decide for themselves. “Actually, the constituents would be the biggest beneficiaries in this exercise.”

Displaying the kind of proactive spirit Filipinos should expect from their leaders, former agriculture secretary Roberto Pagdanganan, former Cavite vice governor JohnVic Remulla and Paranaque Rep. Edward Zialcita gamely stepped up, calling out their opponents in TV plugs airing regularly on ANC.

Raising his coffee cup, Pagdanganan congenially invites Rep. Marvic Sy-Alvarado to “Battle Bulacan.” Dressed down for a game of basketball, Remulla urges either Cavite vice-governor Dencito “Osboy” Campana or Mayor Jun Sagun to be sporting and join “Battle Cavite.” Also, Zialcita calls on Paranaque Mayor Florencio Bernabe to accept the invitation for “Battle Paranaque.”

Will their addressees take them on? “There’s no reason they shouldn’t,” reasons Macaraig. “Debate promotes the highest ideals of democracy and fair play. One would have to question the motives or the character of a politician who refuses to participate in such a process”

“The Civics Debates” premieres with Reps. Rodito Albano and Edwin Uy for “Battle Isabela” on Wednesday (Oct 14). “Square Off” airs Wednesdays at 8pm on ANC. Replays on Thursdays at 1pm, Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 2am.