Qualified candidates?
The requirements for those seeking an electoral post this coming 2019 National and Local Elections are simple -- are able to read and write, of legal age, and a Filipino citizen.
That’s just about it. It does not require you to be a graduate of a certain course, have an experience, of good moral standing, or skills that is needed for the job.
Sadly, because of this requirement, there are some politicians that we elect who are not qualified for the job. This resulted to the birth of some abusive, arrogant, and incompetent politicians running provinces, cities, and towns.
Even politicians linked to illegal drugs may still file a certificate of candidacy (COC) for the upcoming 2019 National and Local Elections.
“Even if listed siya sa narco-list, dili mi pwede nga di mudawat sa ilang Certificate Of Candidacy (Even if they are listed in the narcolist, our office will still accept their certificate of candidacy),” Lawyer Krisna Samantha Caballero, spokesperson of Comelec-Davao, said on Wednesday.
This loophole in our electoral system paved way to the rise of some incompetent politicians who are abusing their power and committing corruption wherever they are seated.
The incompetence in some high ranking officials have also trickled to various offices under them. Instead of having a competent person run a certain government office, we have someone who has no idea of what they are doing.
Because of this, some provinces, cities, or towns, are not enjoying the benefits they should enjoy.
Amendments must be made to the requirements for those seeking a national post. Maybe add that they are at least a college graduate or have good moral standing.
While it is too late to call for a change in the requirement set for those who will be filing a COC, the government must implement changes to ensure that the quality of politicians that are running and are to be elected is top notch.
The Filipino people has had it enough with the incompetence of some and are now calling for better and a more qualified candidate for mayor, city mayor, representative, and senator.