Richard Heydarian leads PoliticonPH forum on April 27

Richard Heydarian will lead the roster of panelists for the PoliticonPH forum on April 27.

Aside from the author and GMA resident analyst, the forum will feature online pundits from all sides of the political spectrum in an open town hall format at the Rizal Park Hotel Ballroom at 2 p.m.

"PoliticonPH is a pioneering effort at creating a shared collective space for public discourse, a rare chance for us to come together based on dialogue rather than dissonance and symbolic violence," Heydarian said. "The moderators will also be coming from across party lines and ideological spectrum."

The forum is expected to tackle the most pressing national issues, including the Philippines' policy toward China amid the two countries' maritime dispute, as well as the drug war that is the centerpiece of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration.

Heydarian will take the stage opposite outspoken pro-Duterte blogger Sass Rogando Sasot.

"In this light, having an avid and influential supporter of the Duterte regime as my interlocutor seemed an indispensable step towards a national dialogue," Heydarian said.

Proceeds from the event will go to veterans and victims of the Marawi siege, with pricing: VIP – P1,000, General Seating – P400 and Standing – P200. Students with IDs can get a 50% discount.

"Dialogue and winning the hearts and minds of non-partisan median majority through reason is the best way forward," Heydarian said. "So please support this initiative if you believe in democratic discourse and want to partake in the national conversation on the path forward amid our age of polarisation and fake news."