The Call for Electoral Reform
Paulo Asejo BSCS
3rd Year
I. Introduction
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Democracy flourishes when the voice and rights of the people
are loudly asserted and respected. In the Philippines, elections form the core of this process. But since time
immemorial, our electoral system has come under criticism for problems such as vote-buying,
disinformation, and poor voter education. In 2022, the Commission on Elections, COMELEC, registered
almost 1,000 complaints against vote-buying alone, a stark reminder that our system needs reform. Today,
I aim to shed light on these persistent issues and persuade you that electoral reform is essential to
strengthening our democracy and ensuring the integrity of our elections.
II. Body
A. The Problems in the Current Electoral System
Vote-Buying and Electoral Manipulation
Vote-buying persists to this day. In most parts of the country, the poor are exploited for easy votes either
in cash or in kind. Thus, the sacredness of the electoral process is reduced to being seen as a trading
opportunity.
Disinformation and Misinformation
With the development of social media, there has been alarming propagation of fake news and propaganda
during elections. Manipulative information affects public perception sometimes to favor those candidates
who have greater resources to spread the misinformation.
Voter Education Limitation
Many voters are not fully informed about the candidates they vote for or the policies they represent. This
lack of awareness often leads to the election of officials who do not genuinely represent the people’s
interests.
B. The Need for Electoral Reform
To address these issues, electoral reform is necessary. Here are three key solutions:
Strengthen Anti-Vote-Buying Measures
The proper course of action for the government is to impose stricter penalties and enhance monitoring
mechanisms against vote buying. These should include giving COMELEC and civil society organizations
the capability to exercise effective investigation and prosecution.
Fight Disinformation
Collaboration between the government, media outlets, and social media players is key. Laws must be
enacted penalizing the intent to spread fake news during elections. Media literacy programs must be
disseminated all over the country.
Voter education campaigns should be intensified, focusing on the importance of informed voting. Schools,
local governments, and non-governmental organizations can play a crucial role in raising awareness about
candidates, their platforms, and the value of each vote.
C. Why This Matters to Every Filipino
Electoral reform is not just about improving the voting process; it is about ensuring that our leaders are
chosen based on merit, vision, and genuine public service. By addressing these issues, we can restore trust
in the electoral process and empower citizens to actively participate in nation-building.
III. Conclusion
Ladies and gentlemen, democracy is a shared responsibility. The integrity of our elections reflects the
strength of our nation. Let us advocate for reforms that will end vote-buying, combat disinformation, and
enhance voter education. Together, we can build a political system that truly represents the will of the
Filipino people.
Remember, change begins with us. Let us demand accountability, stand against corruption, and strive for
an electoral process we can all be proud of. Our democracy depends on it. Thank you.
