Clean Elections Are Possible

Clean Elections Are Possible
June 30, 2007

Philippine Free Press

THERE are allegations that the elctions on May 14 were marred by fraud. Which of our elections in the past were not? There was fraud in all the elections we have had, but we must not lose hope. Elections without fraud are possible here, and we can do it by educating our people about the importance of clean and honest elections.

Let us start with school politics. School is back and students will soon elect classroom and campus officers. Let us introduce them to clean campaigning, wisely choosing candidates, and honestly counting the votes.

School politics should be understood and held against the backdrop of community and national trends and development. As the primary concern of student leaders is the interest and welfare of their fellow students, teachers must not teach them campaign strategies similar to those of local and national politicians. They must encourage the students to use campus politics as training for the future if they plan on careers as public servants.

If the study of the Constitution is required in schools, I propose that the sudy of the Local Government Code also be made a required subject. Knowledge of the code will help future local leaders learn the work and immense responsibilities they are planning to assume.

Reginald B. Tamayo
member, Sangguniang Bayan
Aparri, Cagayan