CEBU CITY - Youth from Cebu City's barangays participated in a different activity under the Boto Mo, Ipatrol Mo, Ako ang Simula campaign of ABS-CBN.

Youth officials from Barangays Lahug and Sto. Niño faced off at the "Debate sa Barangay" at Barangay Lahug Conference Room on Wednesday.

Barangay Sto. Niño proposed to change the 1987 Constitution through a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass), while Barangay Lahug countered with the calling of a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) as the means of changing the Consitution.

Jeandie Balaba, Sangguniang Kabataan councilor of Sto. Niño, spoke of the need for Con-Ass, arguing that it is the most economical means of changing the charter.

Balaba said that by shifting to a parliamentary government, corruption will be eradicated. However, Balaba failed to discuss how this would be possible.

Barangay Lahug's Lareina Devi Rajah, rebutted this argument by saying that Con-Ass, as proposed in House Resolution 1109, was intended as a means to stay in power and not to save the nation from its desperate state.

Barangay Sto. Niño's Marian Ohagan discussed the many benefits of changing the Charter through Con-Ass. She rebutted Rajah's argument by stressing the importance of the Senate in checking the work of the House of Representatives.

On the other hand, Barangay Lahug's Samantha Tornilla said Con-Ass, being economical, does not ensure a brighter future for the country. "We can't give a cheap move for our nation," said Samantha.

Those opposed to Con-Ass then countered that Con-Con should be the means to change the Constitution. This way, they said that Filipinos would be well represented and that personal interests will be set aside by the elected Con-Con delegates.

Arguing for the affirmative, Barangay Sto. Niño's Ivan Llagunas, said Con-Con would be redundant.

But Barangay Lahug's Yedah Yllanan said safeguards with the Con-Con are well placed. "Con-Con, unlike Con-Ass, eliminates the personal interests of lawmakers," said Yedah.

Barangay Lahug was judged winner over Barangay Sto. Niño in the debate.

Samantha Tornilla won as best debater, while Yedah Yllnan won as best rebuttalist.

The "Debate sa Barangay" is a monthly activity of ABS-CBN Central Visayas to encourage youth voters to remain vigilant in protecting the votes and take part in the 2010 elections.