IT is very crucial for the 67 million Filipino voters to “practice discernment” and exercise “perpetual vigilance” in choosing candidates for next year’s midterm elections, or suffer the consequences of more “Alice Guos” in the country’s electoral system.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez raised this warning in light of the period given by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for all candidates, both in the national and local levels, to file their certificates of candidacy for the May 2025 senatorial and synchronized local polls.
“To the Filipino voters, I encourage you to exercise your right with discernment. Your role is crucial in this process. By remaining vigilant, we ensure a future where our leaders uphold the values of integrity, competence, and a commitment to the well-being of our nation,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The leader of the House of Representatives cited the classic case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo – a certified Chinese national – should be a constant and “significant reminder” to everyone to “practice increased vigilance” or face similar embarrassing consequences.
“The recent disqualification of Guo is a significant reminder of our challenges in ensuring that only qualified individuals are elected to public office. The Comelec is crucial in accepting candidacy applications,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He appealed to the Comelec under the leadership of Chairman George Garcia that while the processing of COCs may be “ministerial” in nature, it is still important that they make sure to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
“We must use available legal measures, such as disqualification petitions, to address any issues that arise,” the Leyte First District House leader emphasized.
“The law provides transparent processes for challenging unqualified candidates, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these mechanisms are used appropriately to maintain public trust,” Speaker Romualdez, president of the ruling Lakas-CMD party, reiterated.
“Each applicant’s qualifications must be rigorously reviewed to ensure they meet the necessary legal requirements. The integrity of our electoral system relies heavily on the credibility of those who seek to hold public office,” the lawyer-legislator declared.
“Please get to know the candidates, verify their qualifications, and proactively question any doubts that may arise. We all share the responsibility of safeguarding our democracy, and by working together, we can prevent any recurrence of past issues,” Speaker Romualdez added.
“Together, let us build a government that truly reflects the aspirations of the Filipino people – one that is transparent, accountable, and dedicated to genuine public service,” he said, noting that voters should always bear in mind that by choosing right, we get the government we deserve.
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