What do you think of the Comelec's move to disqualify illiterates from running for office?

Jesus Mendoza, Pangasinan: It’s better for Comelec to disqualify the morally bankrupt from running for office if it has the power to do so rather than pounce on the illiterates.

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: I think it is a reasonable move. The rigorous tasks of a public official require both physical and mental capabilities, which of course boils down to literacy.

Needed in the job

Ruel Bautista, Laguna: Regardless of how long the term would be, holding a public office would require a person to read a lot of documents and sign his name on paper. It’s about time we enforce the literacy requirement for candidates.

Elizabeth Oximer, Negros Occidental: I asked a barangay captain why he resigned after only a few months in office. He answered: “Papel at lapis pala, akala ko piko at pala.”

John Lloyd Malana, Ilocos Sur: Yes, I agree with the Comelec’s decision to disqualify illiterates from running for office because in all honesty, how can we expect them to govern once elected?

Marck Spencer Aspacio, Ilocos Sur: I totally agree. This move is a manifestation of the Comelec’s desire to do what is best for our country. A leader is a reader.

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: In the first place, if they are illiterates, why accept their candidacy? They can’t even fill out the candidate’s form, how much more govern their respective areas of jurisdiction?

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: Running for office needs some qualifications and being literate is one of them. Only qualified people should hold public office.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: The Comelec’s move is timely. Dapat noon pa. If elected, how can illiterates perform their job well? Of course they will have to rely on their assistants.

Carmela Ramento, Cagayan de Oro City: A very good move. No further explanation is necessary.

Joan Cejes, Makati City: It’s about time to raise the standards for government officials to avoid a circus-like bureaucracy.

King Zeus Nitcha, Ilocos Sur: I agree. Literacy is really a big deal. How do you expect a person to lead if he cannot read and write?

Lucas Banzon Madamba, Laguna: The move of the Comelec to disqualify illiterates from running for office is a welcome thing. Our country needs well-educated, decent and refined individuals who really have the potential to govern and work hard for the progress of our country and not just display themselves in the halls of Philippine Congress or in local governments.

Elmo Cruz, Manila: There is sense in disqualifying illiterates from running for public office. Elective positions are not for OJTs (on-the-job trainees). It is high time that the qualifications of voters and candidates be upgraded to ensure the best quality of leaders for our country.

Ishmael Calata, Parañaque City: The Comelec is correct in disqualifying illiterates from running for public office. Reason dictates that we should not be governed by unschooled persons even if they are popular or have leadership skills.

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: The Comelec’s decision to disqualify illiterates from running for office is long overdue and must also include nuisance candidates. What can we expect from people who do not know how to read and write? Second, it’s very insulting to professionals like doctors, lawyers and the like.

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: It would be ideal to ban illiterates from running for office. Maybe ban them as well from voting so incompetents won’t be in government doing nothing except to receive millions in pork and salaries.

Give them a chance

Mary Grace Carolino, Ilocos Sur: The Philippines is a democratic country. We are free to do what we want. So if illiterates believe that they can help make our country a better place to live in, then maybe we should consider them for public office, too.

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: At the Tejeros Convention, Bonifacio was sacked because he lacked the educational requirement. Macario Sakay, who carried out a revolution in the 1900s, was also an illiterate. Lapu-Lapu, meantime, never went to school. But if these men were good enough to become heroes of the land, then maybe they would have been good enough to become barangay officials as well, similar to other illiterates vying for office.

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: FM and PGMA were intelligent, but look where they brought the Philippines. Erap was an undergraduate, and he led us badly for two years. Nasa tao yan.

Dennis Montealto, Mandaluyong City: If we have very low qualifications for President of the land, why pick on illiterates who also want to serve the people? Ultimately, the electorate will decide as to who they would like to lead them.

Follow rules

Nito Aquino, Makati City: Of course, illiterates should be disqualified from running for office. There should be no debate about this.

Ruben Viray, Antipolo City: We have rules to follow. Running for office has certain requirements. The Comelec’s move is correct.

Rudy Tagimacruz, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon: In fairness to the general public, the Comelec should really disqualify illiterates.

Jun Cajucom, Metro Manila: Yes, that should be the case.

Roger Caravana, Bulacan: Illiterates must really be disqualified by the Comelec. Sad to say, advanced countries are about to send men to Mars.

Deo Durante, Camarines Sur: If that is based on the rule of law, then perhaps there is nothing to argue about. More so under our modern times where education is vital.

Nold Alis, Camarines Sur: If we review the qualifications set by the Constitution for would-be candidates, there is a provision that hinders an illiterate from seeking public office. Our law requires that one must be a Filipino citizen, of legal age, resident of a particular place, able to read and write, etc. But aside from being literate, a candidate must be morally upright and a man of integrity.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: Power or authority should be granted or given to those who are capable and responsible. Now is the right time for us to start electing sensible people to our barangay councils. Only those who pass the requirements should be allowed to run.

Prone to commit mistakes

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: Right move for the Comelec. I bet that once elected into office, these candidates will be prone to commit graft and corruption.

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: An illiterate will sign any paper without reading it as long as he earns big bucks. He may not even be aware that he is already selling his soul to the devil.

Jose Balcanao, Benguet: Our elected public officials should be educated because illiterate officials could easily be dictated upon, manipulated or exploited by the literates and the elite, especially in decision-making. Wise lettered men could also corrupt illiterates. A government run by illiterates is just like a playground run by kindergarten pupils.

Elpidio Que, Vigan: Of course, illiterates should be barred from running for public office. Can you imagine a no-read, no-write becoming a barangay chairman, mayor, congressman or senator? He will not only make the office that he holds the object of ridicule, but will also make himself the puppet of his followers.

J.R. Mondonedo Jr., Parañaque City: In the first place, if a person is illiterate, why does he even have the nerve to run for office? He will be dictated upon by his constituents. It will only be a waste of time and money for the people.

Good moral character

Felix Ramento, USA: No, the Comelec should consider good moral character as the primary qualification of candidates. I’m not sure if it is already a requirement, but an NBI clearance must also be sought during the filing of certificates of candidacy.

Renato Taylan, Ilocos Norte: Public office is a public trust. Oftentimes, this trust is not too dependent on literacy. The honest illiterate should be allowed to run while the dishonest should be disqualified.

Laughing stock

Miguelito Herrera, Cabanatuan City: Why run when they will only be the subject of insult if not a laughing stock?

Larry Parroco, Quezon City: Electing illiterates to public office will only make them the butt of jokes. Now is the time to vote for more knowledgeable and educated candidates.

Jimmy Donton, Palawan: It is within Comelec’s authority to make sure that political leaders are fit to serve. They are also only trying to avoid making elective positions the subject of ridicule.

No voters for illiterates

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: If illiterates are allowed to vote, then they also have the right to be voted upon. But then again, why worry when literate individuals are still the choice of voters. I’m sure you and I will not vote for illiterates.

Kelvin Casamayor, Ilocos Sur: The question here is, even if the Comelec won’t disqualify them, will anyone vote for them?

Violation of human rights

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas: The move is undemocratic and against human rights. Even a President elected via PCOS machines is not required by the Constitution to be literate.

Lolong Rejano, Marinduque: Is the Comelec aware of democratic and human rights in our country? Our appeal to Comelec: Consult first the people before acting on this issue.

Many will be disqualified

Artemio Tipon, Parañaque City: If this rule is indeed implemented, many will be disqualified, including members of the House and the Senate.

Define ‘illiterate’

Rey Onate, Palayan City: Ano ba ang definition ng salitang ‘illiterate’ sa tanong na ito? Maaaring walang pormal na edukasyon ang isang nilalang pero malawak ang karanasan. Will he/she be considered illiterate, o yung bobo ang ibig sabihin ng ‘illiterate’ sa tanong na ito?

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: The Comelec must modify the meaning of ‘illiterate’. There are people who can read and write but have very low IQ (intelligence quotience) and there are those who cannot read and write but are very smart and have better leadership qualities than those who underwent formal schooling.

Discrimination

Daniel Occeno, Metro Manila: What if their grandfather was a billionaire or related to a former President? Or they have an inheritance that they are willing to spend in their campaign? Will they really be denied the chance to seek public office?

Diony Yap, Bacolod City: Disqualify? Paano kung super yaman ang mga illiterate na yan, pwede na silang tumakbo?

Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: There are many Filipinos who think that public offices are open to any Tom, Dick and Harry. The culprits were the framers of our Constitution who disqualified Filipinos who have acquired citizenship in foreign countries but qualified morons just because they can read and write, among other qualifications.

Jose Nobela, Albay: What the Comelec should pray for at this time is the amendment of Constitutional provisions on elections so that this move to disqualify illiterate voters can be justified. Honestly, less-privileged voters are the ones who are often abused, particularly by traditional politicians.

The Way I See It

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City:  The Roman Catholic Church is being charged of interfering with the affairs of the State. If the State is the mission field of the Church and the Church is part of the State, why question their interference? Every citizen or institution is entitled to voice out their sentiment to the state, either to support or to oppose. At least the Church is not demonstrating on the street damaging properties and causing chaos or putting up arms like other groups. The Church has a universal mission till the end of time that it cannot be prevented by men, otherwise it will cease being a Church.

David Manalo, Marikina City: Dialogue po ang kailangan. Both sides have valid points on the issue. Hinay-hinay po sa mga statements para maiwasan ang acrimony. Peace!

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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