POSITION PAPER
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
“No Diploma, No Direction: Why Educational
Background Matters in Governance”
Group Members:
Barrientos, Margareth Jade
Casabuena, Freddie
Co, Julianna Ricci
Cunanan, Kurt Danielle
Delgado, Jorge Jr.
Diaz, Lynelle Raine
Estonactoc, Princess Secret Diane
Isidro, Pauleen Rhuzley
Limpiada, Mara Yvette
I. INTRODUCTION
As a citizen, would you trust someone with no medical knowledge to manage your health? To handle your
finances without knowledge in accounting? Trust an untrained mechanic to repair an airplane? Or even
defend your legal rights even though that person doesn’t go to law school? Absolutely not. So why do we
keep allowing an individual with no formal education to manage multi-billion-peso budgets, craft national
laws, and lead an entire country?
According to the Social Weather Stations (2025) survey, 92% of Filipino voters said they prefer political
candidates who are advocating for equal access to education. This suggests that the Filipino citizens value
competency and preparedness, which may indirectly reflect a value placed on education among political
leaders.
However, as stated in The 1987 Philippine Constitution Article VI Section 3 “No person shall be a Senator
unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least thirty-five
years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for not less than
two years immediately preceding the day of the election.” and Article VII Section 2 “No person may be
elected President unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and
write, at least forty years of age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at least ten
years immediately preceding such election.” Which means, if you are a natural-born citizen of the
Philippines and able to read and write, it doesn’t matter whether you reached college or not, got a diploma,
or a high-school graduate.
Especially in today’s world, where running a country involves dealing with many complicated issues, it’s
more important to talk about the education of elected leaders. After all, education is not just about having a
degree – it’s about ensuring that leaders need to make smart decisions, think critically, and understand
both local and global matters. This is essential for positions like the president, senators, and other key
government roles that directly affect the lives of the people. Thus, education is the nation’s defense against
chaos.
This paper argues that requiring a minimum level of education for elected leaders is not reasonable, but
essential. It enhances transparency, improves the quality of governance, fosters accountability, and
fostering public trust. Being an educated person helps an individual shapes them to become better leaders,
enables proper decision-making and ultimately protects the integrity of democratic systems.
II. BODY
The educational qualifications are important to provide competent governance and skills a leader must have
to properly govern, lead and address the country’s existing and future problems. Given the position that the
candidates are applying for, one on which our nation depends on, having a formal education is a
requirement and a must have for those running for the leader position. These paragraphs will provide proofs
and arguments to reason out the needs of a qualified education that a candidate must possess.
Our country’s poor qualifications made it for corrupt, unworthy and uneducated people to have a chance
for running. According to Nicolas & De Vega Law offices (2025), these are the qualifications for our
president and vice president position:
Qualification for Philippine President and Vice-President:
1. Natural born citizen of the Philippines
2. Registered voter
3. Able to read and write
4. At least 40 years of age on the day of election
5. Resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years immediately preceding the election.
These qualifications lack the educational background, knowledge and skills an individual should have to be
considered and listed. Without these requirements, the possibility of an uneducated elected leader is at a
high percentage. Let’s give an example to the 2022 elections candidates. This comparison will show the
difference between the candidates who have an outstanding and less educational background
qualifications.
Leni Robredo Bongbong Marcos
Education: Education:
● Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa,
University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City.
● MBA: Graduate Coursework in Business
Granted 31 August 2017.
Administration Wharton School of
● Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa,
Business University of Pennsylvania, USA
University of St. Anthony in Iriga City,
1979 - 1981
Camarines Sur. Granted 19 April 2017.
● Undergraduate degree: Special Diploma
● Doctor of Public Administration,
in Social Studies Oxford University
Honoris Causa
England 1975 - 1978
Polytechnic University of the Philippines,
● Secondary: Worth School England 1970 -
Granted in 2015
1974
● Bachelor of Laws, 1992
● Elementary: La Salle Green Hills
University of Nueva Caceres (Passed the
Mandaluyong City, Philippines 1963 - 1969
Philippine Bar of 1997)
● Kindergarten: Institución Teresiana
● Bachelor of Arts in Economics, 1986
Quezon City, Philippines 1962 - 1963
University of the Philippines - Diliman
● Highschool, 1982
Colegio de Santa Isabel
● Elementary, 1978
Colegio de Santa Isabel
As we all know in the present time, Bongbong Marcos won the 2022 elections. According to Eleksyon 2022
(GMA News Online, 2022), Bongbong Marcos has 31,104,175 and Leni has 14,822,051. This breeds a lot
of questions and negative comments among the Filipino citizens, especially the Leni supporters, saying
that “It's a grim in the Philippines” (Celina, The Guardian, 2022). As we can see in the table, Leni Robredo’s
educational background shows her intellectual capability and commitment. On the other hand, Bongbong’s
educational background is not the same weight as Leni's and yet, Bongbong was victorious in the votes. If
the educational qualifications are prioritized in all Filipino requirements when it comes to choosing a leader,
Leni Robredo could have stood a chance in winning. Leni has both the Educational Background and was
the elected Vice President in the 2016 elections. So why did the majority of the Filipinos vote for Bongbong
Marcos? If the country’s citizens knew that some of the candidates in the elections have poor educational
background, why do they win? The country’s low and poor educational accessibility also became an
advantage to the people, who lack educational background, to be able to stand a chance in winning in the
elections.
According to Cielito F. Habito (Inquiry Net, 2021), poverty drives the poor in leading them to. “Those who
are not educated for voting are choosing from those who are not educated for serving.” — the
piercing view by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Although Educational Background is crucial, it may not
be just the driving force of Filipino citizens with their decision who to vote for. Some factors like identity,
emotional appeals, and political legacy could be a reason why those who have less educational
qualifications win the elections. So it is reasonable that we could at least help to address corruption and
complacency issues by changing the qualifications of the elected leaders. Aren’t intelligent and transparent
people better than those who have advocations and platforms but without educational foundation?
Even if educational qualifications may not fully solve the country’s overall corruption, its impact through
economic development could still be visible through studies. In the study of Latin American Economic
Review (2024) entitled “The Effects of Educated Leaders on Policy and Politics: Quasi-Experimental
Evidence from Brazil”, it highlighted the significant role of educational qualifications in leadership
effectiveness. The research on Brazilian municipal elections between 2000-2008 shows that better
educated mayors are more likely to use public resources more effectively to the advantage of their
municipality. For instance, in 2000 and 2004, almost 40% of all mayoral candidates had degrees from a
higher education institution. In the elections where one candidate was well educated and the other was not,
the highly educated candidate received 51% of the vote. This also implies that in the community, the people
value educational background.
Municipalities with highly educated mayors were generally richer, larger, and more focused on industry and
services. suggesting a positive correlation between education and economic development. Additionally,
public primary schools in these communities were effectively managed in terms of class sizes and
secondary-educated instructors. This implies that well educated leaders make better informed decisions
with regard to the management of the public sector particularly in such important areas as those of
education and planning. Such findings point out that educational qualifications are important in empowering
the existing governance quality among the elected officials to promote more favorable public policies and
results.
Educational qualifications are crucial because they equip leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to
govern effectively and face our country's many urgent problems, both now and in the future. The position
of president or vice president is not just any job; it carries the heavy responsibility of leading millions of
Filipinos and managing the nation’s resources. Because of this, candidates should have proper education
to prepare them for such a role. Unfortunately, the current qualifications in the Philippines, according to
Nicolas & De Vega Law Offices (2025), only require candidates to be natural-born citizens, registered
voters, able to read and write, at least 40 years old, and residents for 10 years before the election. These
basic criteria do not include any real educational requirement beyond being literate, which opens the door
for leaders without the proper background to run for office and sometimes even win.
Take the 2022 elections as an example. Leni Robredo, the genuine and deserving leader, has a solid and
impressive educational background. She earned her Bachelor of Laws, passed the Philippine Bar, and
received several honorary doctorates recognizing her dedication and public service. This shows her
intellectual capacity and commitment to serve Filipinos with competence and integrity. On the other hand,
Bongbong Marcos, despite controversies around his academic record, won the presidency with over 31
million votes, far surpassing Robredo’s nearly 15 million votes (Eleksyon 2022, GMA News Online). This
stark difference raises a troubling question: If we truly valued education and competence, would someone
like Marcos, whose family legacy includes corruption and abuses, have won the highest office in the land?
The Philippines deserves leaders who are not only popular but truly qualified and capable of addressing
the country's complex issues. Studies like the one from the Latin American Economic Review (2024) show
that educated leaders tend to manage public resources more effectively and improve their communities.
When voters face a choice between educated and uneducated candidates, they usually choose those with
better education. This suggests that education is indeed a valuable asset in leadership.
Some people say that education should not be a requirement because leadership is about passion and
connection to the people, not just degrees. While that has some truth, it’s important to remember that
education equips leaders with critical thinking skills and knowledge needed in today’s complicated political
and economic landscape. Moreover, allowing uneducated leaders to run leaves room for those with political
dynasties or wealthy families to manipulate the system, often to the country’s detriment. Setting a minimum
educational requirement could help prevent this and ensure that leaders have the essential tools to govern
responsibly.
Education also plays a vital role in helping leaders and citizens alike fight misinformation, a huge problem
in the Philippines, especially with the Marcos family's return to power. According to Social Weather Stations
(2025), 92% of Filipino voters want leaders who support equal access to education. This shows that most
Filipinos recognize the value of education, so it only makes sense to require it for those who want to lead
us. After all, we cannot afford to be misled by uneducated leaders who may repeat the mistakes of the past.
Leaders with strong educational backgrounds are also better at recognizing and addressing fake news and
misinformation. In today’s world, especially here in the Philippines. Disinformation spreads fast online,
particularly during elections. Educated leaders are more likely to think critically, check facts, and push for
media literacy, which helps people understand what’s true and what’s not. This is really important,
especially since many voters get their information from social media. If our leaders are trained to value truth
and know how to deal with false information, they can protect the public from being misled. It’s one way to
help strengthen democracy and prevent history from being distorted.
Education is not just about having a diploma; it is about being prepared to face the realities of leadership
with wisdom, knowledge, and critical thinking. While passion and values are important, they are not enough
by themselves. Filipinos deserve leaders who combine heart with brains, those who can protect our
democracy and make wise decisions for the country’s future. We should demand higher standards,
including educational qualifications, to ensure that our leaders are truly ready to serve us well. The
Philippines deserves no less.
Additionally, Northhouse (2021) explains that education is not the sole determinant of effective leadership
as it can also depends on personal traits, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, situational factors, and
the ability to inspire and mobilize people are not necessarily tied to formal educational qualifications. Indeed,
history is packed with examples of successful leaders who have excelled without formal higher education,
relying instead on their vision, charisma, and ability to connect with the populace.
Furthermore, imposing strict educational requirements could inadvertently limit the pool of candidates,
excluding individuals who may have the necessary leadership skills but lack formal educational credentials.
This could disproportionately affect individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who, despite lacking
formal education, possess the lived experience and understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary
citizens. As noted by Cielito F. Habito (Inquiry Net, 2021), poverty often limits access to education, and
imposing strict educational requirements could perpetuate existing inequalities rather than addressing
them.
Moreover, the focus on educational qualifications may inadvertently overlook other critical aspects of
leadership, such as experience, wisdom, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. While formal
education provides a foundation of knowledge, it does not guarantee the practical skills needed to navigate
the complex and dynamic landscape of political leadership. As some argue, effective leadership is as much
about understanding the needs and aspirations of the people and being able to connect with them on a
personal level, as it is about having academic credentials.
Additionally, the comparison between Leni Robredo and Bongbong Marcos in the 2022 elections, while
illustrative, may not fully capture the multifaceted nature of voter preferences. While educational
background is certainly a factor, it is not the only one. Voters may prioritize other qualities such as
leadership style, charisma, political experience, or perceived alignment with their values and interests. As
the Social Weather Stations (2025) survey indicates, Filipino voters prioritize equal access to education,
which suggests a desire for leaders who advocate for educational opportunities for all, rather than those
who merely possess formal educational qualifications.
Thus, while education undoubtedly plays a significant role in preparing individuals for leadership, it should
not be the sole criterion for political candidacy. Effective leadership encompasses a broad range of qualities,
and an overemphasis on formal education could exclude capable individuals who, despite lacking formal
qualifications, possess the skills, empathy, and vision necessary to lead effectively. Instead of mandating
educational qualifications, efforts should be directed towards enhancing educational access and
opportunities for all Filipinos, ensuring that future leaders emerge from a more equitable and informed
society.
III. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, guaranteeing the top positions in the Philippines that are occupied by individuals with tough
educational backgrounds is not an unreasonable limitation but an essential measure for efficient and
accountable governance. An educated leader is more likely to make informed decisions, understand the
legislations, and engage in meaningful dialogue with experts and stakeholders. Furthermore, education
fosters accountability, enhances communication, and promotes evidence-based policymaking, all of which
are essential for effective governance.
However. The Philippine Constitution currently sets minimal qualifications for public office—merely
necessitating basic literacy, age, and residency—do not guarantee that elected representatives are
sufficiently equipped to oversee significant public assets, develop effective legislation, and address intricate
national and international issues. While these criteria uphold democratic inclusivity, they also open the
doors to candidates who may lack the necessary background to craft sound policies, understand legislative
processes, or manage public funds responsibly. In an era where policy decisions have far-reaching and
often irreversible consequences, we must ask ourselves: can we truly afford to elect leaders based solely
on charisma, popularity, political lineage, or emotional appeal? That makes the critics argue that education
alone does not make a good leader-may somehow true.
However, requiring a minimum level of education for those seeking a national and local positions is not
about elitism; it is about raising the standards of public service and seeking for good governance. Just as
we require professionals like doctors, engineers, teachers, accountants, pilots, and even barangay health
workers to have specific qualifications, it is only reasonable to expect that those entrusted with leading the
nation such as our lawmakers, governors, and presidents should meet minimum educational standards.
This does not mean diminishing democracy but rather upholding a principle that values intellectual
preparedness and civic competence.
We emphasized how the sharp difference between Leni Robredo's strong academic and legal credentials
and Bongbong Marcos's contentious educational history in the 2022 elections exposed a concerning gap
between voter choice and effective leadership. Research from nations such as Brazil, coupled with
increasing public opinion in the Philippines, highlights that well-educated leaders tend to foster economic
development, diminish corruption, and enforce successful policies. Moreover, education provides leaders
with essential critical thinking abilities needed to counter the proliferation of misinformation and fake news—
which poses a growing risk to Philippine democracy.
Therefore, formal education serves not only as a credential but also as a base for analytical reasoning,
principled leadership, and effective decision-making. Increasing the minimum educational requirements for
elected officials is a move toward guaranteeing that individuals given authority can perform their duties with
competence and integrity. If we are to build a more progressive and just Philippines, then we must start by
demanding more from those who lead us—beginning with their education. It is time to commence
constitutional reform that embodies the hopes of the Filipino people—for leadership that is not just well-
liked, but also ready. By insisting on elevated standards, we strengthen democracy, enhance governance,
and ensure a brighter future for our country.
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