Why him/her?: A Guide on how to choose the right President 

 Brickette Faye Agpaoa 

PUBMAT | Anthony Beronque

There are only three more days left before the elections and supporters are putting their best foot forward to promote their respective candidates. On May 9, 2022, we are presented with an event that challenges our abilities for critical thinking, analyzing, and debating with different minds of beliefs and traditions. Hence, we must stick to facts, data, and the truth. As recently announced, over 56% of registered voters make up the youth, and they are not wasting their time listening to social media opinions and fake news. You may look at their records and past achievements however, it is ideal to identify what makes a candidate qualified to run for the presidency. 

The qualification for Presidency, according to Article VII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, states the following: 

1. Must be a natural-born Filipino citizen

2. A registered voter

3. Must be literate 

4. Must be at least 40 years of age

5. Must have resided within the Philippines for at least 10 years before the election

Now that we are familiar with the qualifications, how will you be able to choose the fit candidate for the position? Here are some tips on how you will begin your research and information gathering about the line-up of elected officials. 

Gather information about your chosen candidate. Identify the issues and the platforms they have raised during their campaigning period. Observe how they will be able to provide methods for the solutions to these issues. Keep yourself updated on interviews, debates, and statements from the candidates. 

Research, Research, and Research. This is advisable for every new or past registered voter for the upcoming national election. Study your chosen candidate’s background, achievements, and projects that they have contributed in the past. Check your candidate for criminal records of different forms of corruption. Observe if he/she is consistent in service and reflects the values and morals that he/she presents. Here are some credible sources that you can use to begin your research:

• CNN Philippines

• GMA7

• Philippine Daily Inquirer

• Manila Bulletin

• Philippine Star

Get Involved. Be proud of your chosen candidate, and be able to state reasonings on why you chose him/her to be president. Voice out your statements and facts that you have gathered to support your candidate. Enlighten and educate undecided voters through campaigns and become active supporters within the community. 

Regardless of who you support or believe in, by the end of the day, we are still Filipinos. The future of the youth and our nation lies within our votes. When our elected representatives stand for the position, they should be able to accept criticism and work for the betterment of the people. And we should always remember, that politicians are public servants, they work for the people, not for the benefit themselves. 

Sources:

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/2/8/youth-vote-56-percent-2022.html

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/about/gov/exec/

https://lwvnewton.org/voters-service/how-to-pick-a-candidate/

https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/03/manila-bulletin-among-filipinos-most-trusted-news-outlets-survey/