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, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said.
“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,” Romualdez said in a press release.
He told the Commission on Elections 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 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,” Romualdez stressed.
He said that each applicant’s qualifications must be rigorously reviewed to ensure that 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.” ||
