Set higher requirements for voters and candidates

I cannot agree enough with what Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said in her speech before students of Far Eastern University (Inquirer, 11/24/12): “Those who are not educated for voting” are choosing from those who are “not educated for serving,” hence, the need for a constitutional provision setting higher academic requirements for voters and candidates in both local and national elections.

The obvious lack of adequate discernment among the majority of Filipino voters has resulted in the election of show biz persons “not educated for service” to the House of Representatives, Senate and, worse, the presidency. From the way these elected show biz figures have performed in office, this proposition is hardly debatable.

I agree: If we hope to have a well-discerned nation, our Constitution has to be amended so that higher educational credentials are required of voters; as for elective public officials, the higher educational requirements should be coupled with a high moral stature.

I support Santiago’s stand for the bills on reproductive health, sin tax, Internet freedom and freedom of information. I also join her in exhorting our voters not to vote for candidates who are engaged in premature campaigning on television and other media, and those who are part of political dynasties.

—REX G. RICO, [email protected]