Philippine public education, already considered as so-so if not mediocre, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) plans to include “voter education, including acceptance of electoral defeat, in public schools nationwide.”
If pushed through, as young as kindergarten kids are taught on the reality of winning and losing in elections.
That is another way of saying political sportsmanship.
COMELEC has more imperative issues to tend to instead of issuing foolish proposals. The elections arm of the government can use its time more productively in reviewing poll cheaters and other pressing issues that can transform their office into a more credible institution.
“Voter education” is just a tip of the iceberg. Does it mean that kids and high school students are taught on the worthlessness of electing incompetent and corrupt candidates? Will these school goers study the details of electoral fraud, vote-buying, electoral terrorism and their social effects and how to stop them? Will they be taught that political dynasties thwart the opportunities of others to advance, develop and to serve as well?
Filipinos cannot easily accept a gracious defeat. Children playing "cara y cruz"* might do a Bruce Lee or Muhammad Ali if they think that they are cheated or even in a clean loss.
How much more to millionaire and billionaire candidates who have a phalanx of bodyguards or goons that have political connections where everything is possible?
If the COMELEC pitch gets a green light, is there a possibility that we will be the envy of foreign countries in having an immaculately clean, credible, peaceful and sport elections?
Election anomalies have been here since the candidacy of Elpidio Quirino. Graft and corruption have been here for too long. Instead of being contained into an acceptable level, they are not abated. In fact they got worse during the administration of Pres. Arroyo.
When will we learn to bring out credible ideas for the common good instead of grandstanding? -30-
*heads and tails game
*heads and tails game
Our children must be educated about what is right in the election process. they need to be aware about the countries status of corruption.
ReplyDeleteCagayan de Oro Schools, I agree. There are currently school subjects about the government and social studies. In them the thrust about voter education can be included. I just don't feel comfortable on the idea that it becomes another subject in the curriculum.
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