MANILA, Philippines — Election lawyer Atty. Romulo Macalintal on Monday pushed for legislation that would integrate voter education into the Philippine school system, emphasizing that youth must grasp the value of civic participation early in life.
Speaking in a television interview, Macalintal stressed that teaching children about electoral participation is vital for building a more informed electorate.
”Talagang kinakailangan diyan magkaroon ng sapat na voter’s education. Yung kailangan mailagay sa isip ng mamamayan yung kahalagahan ng pagboto,” Macalintal said.
”Kailangan bata pa lamang, magkaroon na tayo ng pagkakataong malaman ang kahalagahan niyan. At paano magagawa yan? Kailangang magkaroon tayo ng batas na yang tungkol sa eleksyon ay bahagi ng ating educational system,” he added.
Macalintal specifically proposed adding election-related topics to the high school curriculum, pointing out that understanding the impact of one’s ballot helps ensure better governance for the country’s future.
”Para paglaki nila, alam nilang gantong pala kahalaga yan at mabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang ating mamamayan na mabigyan ng pagpapahalaga ang boto,” he noted.
”Kasi diyan nakadepende ang magiging kalagayan ng ating bansa sa mga uri ng leaders na uukit ng ating pamahalaan,” Macalintal concluded.