Eahrvin C.

Poblete
Constitutional Law I
Atty. Joseph Gandhir Kagi P. Alejandrino
October 6, 2023
Reaction Paper on Basic Civil Rights & Obligations and Voters’ Education Seminar

The seminar entitled “18 na ako!” explained two fundamental topics that are
sometimes overlooked by individuals who are turning 18 years old or those who are 18
years old already.

In the discussion of Atty. Rhaetia Marie Abcede-Llaga, she stressed that the right
to vote or suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines, who are at least
eighteen years of age, and those who have resided in the country for at least one year.
The Basic Civil Rights & Obligations also tell us that our rights as Filipino citizens shall
not be discriminated in the basis of literacy, gender, race, nor that of a person’s social
status. It must, at all times, adhere to the spirit of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic
of the Philippines to promote social justice and address economic inequalities.

Those who have less in life, should have more in law, so goes the popular slogan
of then president Ramon Magsaysay. These words were reiterated during the seminar
to explain the difference between equality and equity. Atty. Abcede-Llaga purposively
highlighted this to imply the importance of reducing social, economic, and political
inequalities and promoting the equitable distribution of wealth and political power for the
common good.

Meanwhile, Hon. Lois Conrad L. Salumbides discussed about Voters’ Education,

encouraging all first-time voters to take part in the upcoming Barangay and
Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023. He then explained that individuals of voting age
must at all times exercise their right to vote which constitute democracy. He also
specifically urges the youth to promote youth participation and contribute to nation
building, mentioning the line “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan”.

Overall, it was a refreshing experience and it reminds us that voting, despite it

not being our obligation, should be at least our social responsibility. At the end of the
day, the leaders we elect, and those we choose not to elect, could make or break our
country. Vox Populi, Vox Dei.