UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Reaction Paper on Qualification Standards of National Candidates Election in the

Executive Department (Inputs to New Electoral Reform)

Submitted by:
Lady Diane G. Fontanilla

Submitted to:
Sir Leopoldo Cinco Catchuela

Date:
October 1, 2021
The 2022 National Elections is fast approaching, thus, bringing into light the issues and
concerns in the conduct of our national election. I had the opportunity to read several
articles and studies that tackle the existing qualification standards of the executive
department in the national level. The study conducted by Catchuela & Santiago (2017)
is a great example of descriptive qualitative study which utilized the application of
grounded theory approach.

Based on the study, at present, the 1987 Constitution specifically our laws on suffrage,
states the qualification standards of the executive department only consists of the
following standards, a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to
read and write, and on the day of the election, a resident of the Philippines for at least
ten (10) years immediately preceding the election. These qualifications were made after
the exclusivity rule. Undeniably, the said prerequisites only meet the ‘bear minimum
standard.’ Ironically, almost all kinds of profession whether in public or private sector,
requires a much ‘higher’ standard when it comes to qualifications, and they MUST first
be deemed eligible before being even considered for the position. I strongly agree with
the sentiment, that the president, being the highest government official should not just
meet a ‘bear minimum standard.’

The use of the Liberal Democratic Theory of Representation was discussed which
includes the following: The first principle, importance of the individual's rights, specially
his property, and the necessity of limiting the powers of government to protect those
rights. Second principle, embraces the principle of rationalism, under which it is argued
that humans are creatures of reason. They claim that humans are able to make a sound
and informed decision. This argument would be correct, if the voter and the one being
voted are educated (Catchuela & Santiago, 2017) Consequently, in the Philippine
settings, the masses tend to vote for the people whom they most often see either in
movies or on television. Accordingly, the current roster of congressmen and senators
seemed like a line-up of Star Magic since it is mostly composed of celebrities and TV
personalities who are merely relying on their legislative staff to help them get their job
done. In fact, I had the chance to witness it first hand when we went for a Senate Tour. I
got to witness legislative proceedings and the interpellation between Senator Go and
Senator Pangilinan. I can attest how incompetent legislators cannot do their job
properly, thus, impeding the passing of necessary laws which affects the welfare of the
Filipinos and the development of our country.

Moreover, in the writings of famed writer Virgilio Velèz he said “From minds
enlightened come enlightened laws….. from minds corrupted come corrupted
laws”. Corruption is the root of many evils. It is what causes lawmakers to enact
statutes that are either self-serving or benefit certain sectors at the expense of the
greater majority. It is what compels them to abet crime or protect people, sectors or
nations who have wronged our very own country. It is what pushes them to use their
influence wrongfully. Worst of all, it is what compels them to steal what should otherwise
belong to the marginalized.

Would you want to be stolen from? Would you like your hard earned taxes to further
enrich certain dubious politicians? If not, do not vote for candidates who have been
proven corrupt… those who have been convicted by the court of law for plunder. Let us
not forget, these people (and their family’s) were convicted beyond reasonable doubt.
The worse thing of all is that they still refuse to admit or apologize for their (and family’s)
deeds and even aspiring to become a President.

Corruption is a character flaw, a product of dishonesty, entitlement and a scheming

mind. The convicted plunders who are running for reelection have had their chance and
have proven to be unworthy. To elect them again is like remarrying an abusive spouse.
Let us get one thing straight. These clowns who use their popularity to get elected,
knowing full well that they do not qualify for the job, should be looked upon with dread
and disgust. Beneath the rhetoric of them declaring their desire to serve is a devious
ploy to take advantage of our countrymen who do not know any better.

As voters, we should make sure that the skills and experience of a candidate matches
the position he or she is running for. But the problem is not all of us are educated
individuals. As Thomas Jefferson (n.d) said, “ An educated citizenry is a vital
requisite for our survival as free people.” Indeed, this is a vital prerequisite in our
government. In line with this, is the third principle or the sovereignty of the people,
which entails the goal of our electoral system: "One person, one vote, one value."
However, this principle is only applicable in an educated society. But if, as in the case of
our country, where the majority of the voter are not educated, then there is no reason
why one vote should be equal to another vote. The said statement may be deemed
controversial since many would argue that it defeats the very purpose of democracy
wherein the people should be entitled to elect the leaders that will govern them. But I
strongly agree with Jefferson that only when the people are CAPABLE of making a
sound and informed decision can they be TRUSTED with their government.

Indeed, it is now time for the House of Representatives to sponsor a bill the will amend
the law on the present qualifications of the President and Vice-President much better if
it includes members of the Congress as well. The provision essentially aims to
“elevate” the kind of service that the future President, Vice-President, Congress and
Senators would give to Filipinos. Aside from the basic requirements currently mandated
in our constitution an additional requirements such as administrative experience,
educational attainment, and expertise shall be a requisite prior to holding the position as
President and Vice-President; most especially the President who is the highest official
of our government. We must bear in mind that Presidency is a position of statesmanship
and leadership calling for the highest degree of political competence and expertise in
national and international affairs since he/she will be representing our country. We
should professionalize important local and national offices by imposing academic
qualifications. If we require members of local and national bureaucracies to be degree
holders, there is no reason why we should not do the same for mayors, governors,
congress people, senators, and presidents. Requiring our leaders to have college
degrees would help the country compete on the international level. If we want global
competitiveness, we should require our leaders to be, at the very least, formally
educated. In life, we are taught by our parents not to settle ‘for less’ and I think
this must also be our attitude in choosing our leaders, those who will govern our
country. To elect a showbiz personality, a sportsman, a son of a dictator, is like hiring a
jester to be your chief accountant or hiring a dancer to be your lawyer. It is the wrong
job for the wrong person.

The story of the Philippines is still being written. While the country’s glory days are
several decades behind us, we could very well turn our fortunes around and create a
new golden age for the next generation. It all boils down to good governance, wise
leadership and uncompromised patriotism. As Harry Emerson Fosdick (n.d) said,
"Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary
possibilities in ordinary people.” Remember that our fate for the next 6 years lies on
our hands. As we contemplate who to vote for, let us reject the plunderers, the liars, and
the incompetent. Instead, let us vote for the best, brightest and most qualified
candidates.
References:
Casiple. (2016, June 8). The Philippines Election was Corrupt—and a Victory for Democracy.

Zocalo Public Square. https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2016/06/08/philippines-

election-corrupt-victory-for-democracy/ideas/nexus/

Catchuela & Santiago. (2017). Qualification Standards of National Election Candidates in the

Executive Department (Inputs to New Electoral Reforms). Qualification Standards of

National Election Candidates in the Executive Department (Inputs to New Electoral

Reforms). Published.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319078896_Qualification_Standards_of_Nation

al_Election_Candidates_in_the_Executive_Department_Inputs_to_New_Electoral_Refor

ms

Cepeda. (2018, November 16). College degree requirement for elected officials anti-poor –

lawmaker. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/osanna-vergara-statement-anti-poor-

college-degree-requirement-national-posts-federalism