What is your opinion about the suggestion that only taxpayers should be allowed to vote?

Very appreciable. The right to suffrage requires a noble act of nationalism – that of paying taxes to earn such an inalienable right. – Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte

Not allowing the masa and tax-exempt to vote is ridiculous. This would become a government of the elite and for the elite only. – Ed Alawi, Davao City

Voting is our right

This suggestion is simply outrageous. The right to suffrage is a basic human right which should never be taken away from a person. Anything that curtails freedom is unacceptable in a civilized nation. – Alfredo Carballo Jr., Negros Occidental

This is illogical and unconstitutional. Right of suffrage is the right of every Filipino. – Durbin Rantael, Albay

We cease to be a democracy if we allow only taxpayers or the educated to vote. Our Constitution gives equal right to suffrage to each and every citizen. Each Filipino has the right to vote or be elected by the majority. – C.K. Yeo, Iloilo City

It is a foolish suggestion because we should not deprive any citizen, who is allowed to vote under the Constitution, of their right. – Ella Arenas, Pangasinan

Read your Constitution, Edgar, specifically the part about suffrage. – Mig Duenas, Mandaluyong City

This is unfair to those who are of legal voting age yet have no income. They won’t be able to exercise their right as a citizen of this country. – June Deoferio, Cavite

Such brilliant idea will give enormous benefits to our money-starved treasury with less votes to count. However, its implementation will encounter tremendous difficulty and opposition from various interest groups. As right to suffrage is enshrined in the Constitution, any amendment thereto will be cumbersome and time-consuming. Likewise, politicians, whose power base will be adversely affected, will not support it for obvious reasons. – William Gonzaga, Marikina City

Gee, that’s baloney! It’s harsh and basically unconstitutional. It will hurt us trapos. – Nestor Buñag, Mandaluyong City

It’s unfair, unconstitutional, unlawful and immoral. A Filipino citizen and a registered voter has the right to vote, taxes or no taxes. – Gerry del Cano, Tarlac

The right to vote is a basic human right. To deny non-taxpayers such a right is insane. This motion will only prove that the Philippines is divided. - K.C. Ibanez, Ilocos Norte

As citizens of our country, we all have an obligation to pay taxes based on our income because the government needs these revenues to provide infrastructure and service to its people. The right to suffrage is a constitutional provision that gives every citizen, rich or poor, the equal right to vote so don’t take that away from our poor citizens. – Manuel Canlas, Connecticut, US

Everyone of legal age, rich or poor, idle or employed, youth or senile, invalid or healthy, gullible or wise, has the right to vote. A certain segment of society that’s only allowed to vote is dictatorial, discriminatory, despotic and delivers democracy dead! ‘Di dapat! Duh! - Geoffrey Gumban, Davao City

We all pay taxes

We are all taxpayers, our children included, and we pay all kinds of taxes: income tax, percentage tax, value added tax, franchise tax, amusement tax, road users tax, etc. If all taxpayers are allowed to vote, then we are counting not only 35 million voters but up to 70 million. Our Constitution already set the limit on who are allowed to vote. – Virgilio Alerta, Digos City

Do you mean income taxpayers? With the imposition of EVAT, most Filipinos, if not all, can be considered taxpayers. Who are we going to disallow to vote? – C.T. Galang, Cavite

All Filipinos are taxpayers because of the EVAT. – R. Coro, Batangas

If the EVAT that is added to almost every item is considered as a tax, then everybody is a taxpayer. – Mhyra Amandy, Quezon Province

That’s arbitrary, as all Pinoys are being taxed through EVAT. What would be wrong is if even the dead are allowed to vote by the Comelec. – P. Alagano Sr., Vigan

What about senior citizens?

Most senior citizens no longer pay taxes. Do you want to disenfranchise them? – Trixia Duenas, Mandaluyong City

Many senior citizens like me are only pensioners. Hence, we don’t file taxes anymore. But we are learned and well-versed in politics and governance. Upgrade the intellectual level of voters and candidates, not their financial standing. Also, other learned citizens do not earn enough to file income taxes. – Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City

Technically, persons of voting age are all taxpayers in our country because the prices of most commodities come with value-added tax. And how about senior citizens who are exempt from filing income tax but are left with only eight percent net discount in restaurants? The suggestion only expresses discrimination against some sectors of our society. – I. Calata, Parañaque City

This will reduce voters by about half. Senior citizens and the unemployed will not be able to exercise their right to vote. – Julio Ibon, Laoag City

A step back

It will be a repeat of what was practiced in Athens in the ancient era. It was only the rich male Athenian who had the privilege of directly representing himself and the right to vote. Women and commoners had no such rights. It was not a democratic society, but one that was only for a privileged few. I’d go for a way of life that has equality before the law and safeguards human rights with the blessings of democracy. I am still for a mature, democratic citizenry! – Rey Onate, Palayan City

Criteria for candidates and voters were designed for the 18th century when being a citizen and literate were sufficient qualifications. There must be a higher bar for both candidates and voters – some education and paying taxes to start with. – Nony de Leon, Malolos City

We must weigh this good idea carefully! Even the early US elections did not allow the landless whites or women to vote. – Carlos Nepomuceno, Zambales

The Spanish authorities incarcerated the natives of the Philippine islands for not paying the poll tax or securing the cedula. To require a taxpayer’s ID before one is allowed to vote is stepping backwards instead of going forward into the 21st century. Eradicate poverty among the poor, limit population and abolish patronage politics and we’ll see good results in this country.–  Josh Pacatang, Dipolog City

A good idea, but…

Of course there’ll be a violation of rights, though I prefer that taxpayers be the only ones allowed to vote; it’s their money that’s being spent by the government. – Ed Rito, Pasig City

Perhaps that would make the counting of votes much easier and faster after elections, but there’d be protests from non-taxpayers. That’s for sure. – Jun Cajucom, Tacloban City

That’s certain to raise a howl of protest from Erap’s camp, but I’ll go for it. – R. Los Baños, Las Piñas City

I see it as a good idea. But as to whether we’ll be able to implement it appears to be an iffy thing. Just like every good suggestion for the good of the country, this, too, will remain a suggestion. – E. Linsangan, Isabela

Plausible, but will our greedy politicians in the metropolitan areas, where most squatters are, agree? Half of the current voters will not be able to vote. – Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City

It may be a sound move for “corporate” governance but it will rain a howl of protest from those deprived of the right to vote. – Dave Velasco, Marinduque

But how?

So, how many are left who are qualified to vote then? – Victor Vinluan, Mandaluyong City

It seems logical to limit voting to taxpayers, but based on the same principle, do we allow those who pay more taxes to cast more votes? The result will be disastrous. Our nation will then be controlled by a few large taxpayers. One man, one vote is still the best. – Robert Young Jr., San Juan

Only taxpayers will be allowed to vote? Right. Kasi, pera natin ang nilulustay ng mga ibinoto natin! Then again, how about those who don’t pay taxes but finance politicians? Or those who pay fraudulent taxes? I think the right to suffrage is for everyone. – Gerii Calupitan, Mandaluyong City

How about those who don’t want to vote? Does that mean they should not pay taxes? – Rico Arrieta, Cavite

That means you will have to present your community tax certificate before being allowed to vote? I have to disagree. – Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City

A repulsive idea

If this should be the criteria for right of suffrage, more than half of the population will never see polling places! To think that even the poorest of the community are already paying 12 percent of VAT for every P100 spent for food. Isn’t that tax? This idea is simply repressive, or probably the society thinks that only the elite merits the exercise of rights! – Maria-Cecilia Impens, Brussels, Belgium

I have not come across a country in this world where only taxpayers can vote. This is a bad proposition. – Dr. Manolo Cristi, Quezon City

Why not?

Pwede ‘yon, Ed! Kung maaari nga dapat may qualifying exam pa. Why should I entrust the selection of our leaders to those who play with the truth and don’t mind the consequences, whose pre-occupation is to screw around and spend their Sundays in cockpit arenas, rather than attend religious services? – Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan

Filipino taxpayers think and discern more as an electorate. They can’t be easily fooled by politicians every election. – Oliver Salazar, Malolos City

It’s discriminatory but with the way many non-thinking Filipino voters cast their votes come election time, I’m more inclined to support that they be disallowed to vote. – Seth Carranza, Catanduanes

I agree that only taxpayers should vote because we need to preserve the sanctity of our vote and not be utilized by politicos who buy their votes from the uneducated, non-paying Pinoys who sell their votes. - Pablito Garchitorena, Cavite

Why not give it a try? At least baka wise voters na ang matitira? – Lydia Reyes, Bataan

Discriminatory and unfair

Discriminatory, but it’s a practical and sensible idea as it will minimize the “wrong choices” of the uninformed electorate. – Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City

Suffrage that is limited to taxpayers only is clearly a discrimination against the poor. – Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City

It’s discriminatory since mere citizenship entitles one to vote. Millions of Filipinos living below the poverty line will lose their right to suffrage. – Jim Veneracion, Naga City

It’s a very discriminating proposal. The right to suffrage should not be based on income but on voter qualifications. – Ching Gaspar, Laoag City

To deprive non-taxpaying citizens of their right is a grievous mistake. No one should be denied his right to vote because of his status in life. – Nap Cinco, Rizal

It’s suppressive and discriminatory! It deprives a citizen of his right to suffrage. It’s definitely not the way to eradicate electoral fraud. – Cris Rivera, Rizal

I don’t buy the idea. It would be unfair to millions of Filipinos who have no income or are jobless through no fault of their own. Why punish them when it’s the government that cannot provide jobs? – Myrna Militante, Quezon City

That will be unfair and discriminating. Just let all qualified voters exercise their right of suffrage. – James Gaw, Quezon City

I beg to disagree, because if this happens, only a few can vote. The majority of our population lives below the poverty line, having little or no income at all. Not to mention, we OFWs are also exempt from paying income taxes. – Danny de Leon, Al-Khafji, KSA

Who proposed that only taxpayers be allowed to vote? – T. Sanez, Cavite

It’s the height of hypocrisy. As if we are telling the world that only the rich and powerful are Filipino citizens. – Lito Sandico, Quezon City

That’s divisiveness. – Gil Balobalo, Laguna

Worth considering

I wholeheartedly agree. This would put an end to our politicians coddling squatters for their votes. Just like a corporation’s stockholders, only those citizens that have “invested” in the country should have a say in its affairs. - Don Hernandez, Las Piñas City

It’s a suggestion worth considering. If democracy is no taxation without representation, in like manner, there should be no representation for non-taxpayers. – Tony Gomez, Parañaque City

Non-taxpayers are non-paying boarders of the state. Why would they want rights equal to those of taxpaying ones? – Dave Sabaupan, Parañaque City

That should be the case. There’s nothing unconstitutional about that. If you can’t and won’t help your country, your vote is as useless as you are. In the US, immigrants and citizens enjoy the same privileges, but only citizens can vote. We, as a nation, should consider the fact that not all citizens are “worthy” citizens. For a country to move up, it has to have a working government. Who would you want to decide on this? The non-taxpayers? Then, goodbye Philippines! – Rico Fabello, Sucat

It’s a radical idea, but logical. Taxes are the lifeblood of our nation and only taxpayers should be given the sole right to choose our leaders. – Leonard Villa, Laoag City

Yes, it is only fair that those who pay taxes – whether correctly or not – should be the only ones allowed to vote. I am tired of people whose vote can be bought for a mere P500. – Joseph Pascual, Metro Manila

It might be a good idea. At least, the electoral process will improve and lessen the hakot and patronage system. It will increase the tax take. – Art Atienza, San Juan

Sure, we will be empowered to choose whom we see fit to serve, as it is our taxes that will be the politicians’ salary. – Joseph Aliviado, Cebu City

Pity the poor and jobless

Pity the poor and the jobless. Mawawalan na ng boses ang masa sa pagboto ng kanilang napipisil na kakamping pulitiko. Sa bagay, mawawalan din ng “vote sellers.” – Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan

It’s the only tool left for the underprivileged as a leverage. Taking it away would complete their alienation. – Ruel Bautista, Laguna

In spite of their voting power, still their welfare is neglected by politicians, how much more if that power is curtailed? They will entirely be ignored. – Justo Cammayo, Isabela

What about tax evaders?

Tax evaders, smugglers and jueteng lords and their families (with originals and mistresses) should not be allowed to vote. These economic crooks defraud the government of billions in taxes. – Elpidio Que, Vigan

Let’s put this way: Big tax evaders should not be allowed to vote. – Victor Alim, Caloocan City

This is surprising. Why violate one’s right to vote? Whoever authored this is definitely nuts. And where does that leave tax evaders who are big-time supporters/donors of candidates? Give me a break! – Imee Aglibot, Rizal

Better to limit voting to the literate

Everyone pays taxes. The level of education or literacy is a better criterion to determine who should vote. – Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City

Only taxpayers and literate people must be allowed to vote. – Carl Ronsard, Negros Occidental

There are other ways

I disagree. The two-party system plus a new, clean and credible Comelec will improve the quality of our leaders. – Ric Vergara, Calamba

That would happen if the Comelec is headed by the BIR chief. In that case, we better privatize the elections. – Ed Medenilla, Pangasinan

REACTIONS

To Bert Aguilar: Ha ha ha, I admire your sense of humor and pity your lack of historical knowledge, eh si Marcos nga ang naglubog sa atin, no. – S. Calupitan, Quezon City

To Rose Leobrera: Accept the fact that most men are born to be polygamous so don’t stress yourself too much. – J. Arquiza, Parañaque City

To Rose Leobrera: Out us in an island with young and pretty women. That would be fine with me. – J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City

Mr. P. Alcazaren’s sentiment on conserving our old architecture is right. Here, we only keep old trapos. – Ed Alawi, Davao City

To Mr. Boo Chanco: It’s better for reporters to call professional protesters ‘militant’ than for Sec. Bunye to call them “destabilizers” as he does. – J.V. Balinas, Negros Occidental

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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