Marañon wants qualifications for presidential bets amended

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., reacting to reports that 130 persons had filed certificates of candidacy for president, called the present electoral process crazy.

The governor said amendments should be enacted to reform the electoral system and get rid of nuisance candidates. Requirements should be set, like a candidate’s track records and educational attainment, so anybody could not just run for president, he said.

“When hiring a house help, applicants are being interviewed to know one’s background and work experience,” he said, but added that this is not so with those applying for president of the country.

Marañon said anyone who aspires to work for the government should at least pass the civil service examination, thus the requirements to become president should be more stringent.

According to the present Constitution, anyone may be elected president as long as he or she is “a natural-born citizen, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years old on the day of the election, and a resident of the country for at least 10 years immediately preceding such election.” (FREEMAN)