MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez called on the 67 million voters to “practice discernment” and exercise “perpetual vigilance” in choosing candidates for next year’s midterm elections so as to prevent more “Alice Guos” in the country’s electoral system.
“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 statement.
The leader of the House of Representatives made his remarks as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) accepted the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) of politicians, from senators on the national level down to congressmen, governors, mayors and municipal councilors on the local level.
The Speaker, who represents Leyte’s first district, reminded the voting public about the classic case of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo – a certified Chinese national – which should serve as a constant and “significant reminder” to everyone to “practice increased vigilance.”
“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,” Romualdez said.
He likewise took to task the Comelec under the leadership of Chairman George Garcia, reminding the seven-man poll body that while processing 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,” Romualdez emphasized, concurring with the pronouncements made by his counterpart in the upper chamber, Senate President Francis Escudero.
“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 reiterated.
He then called on “all concerned agencies to be vigilant during the candidacy filing period” – or suffer the same humiliation the news of Alice Guo made before the international community.