Speaker Romualdez hinimok mga botante

HINIMOK ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ang 67 milyong botanteng Pilipino na maging mapanuri at mapagbantay sa pagpili sa mga ibobotong kandidato sa 2025 mid-term elections, upang maiwasan na muling makapagluklok ng isang “Alice Guo.”

Ginawa ni Speaker Romualdez ang pahayag sa gitna ng patuloy na pagtanggap ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ng mga certificate of candidacy (COC) ng mga tatakbo sa paparating na halalan.

“To the Filipino voters, I encourage you to exercise your right with discernment. Your role is crucial in this process. By remaining vigilant, we ensure a future where our leaders uphold the values of integrity, competence, and a commitment to the well-being of our nation,” ani Speaker Romualdez.

Ayon sa pinuno ng Kamara de Representantes, ang kaso ng sinibak na mayor ng Bamban, Tarlac na si Alice Guo ay dapat magsilbing paalala sa mga botante na maging mapanuri at mapagbantay upang hindi na ito maulit.

Si Guo ay isa umanong Chinese national na gumamit ng mga pekeng dokumento upang palabasin na siya ay isang Pilipino at maluklok sa puwesto.

“The recent disqualification of Guo is a significant reminder of our challenges in ensuring that only qualified individuals are elected to public office. The Comelec is crucial in accepting candidacy applications,” saad ni Speaker Romualdez.

Umapela rin si Speaker Romualdez sa Comelec na pinamumunuan ni Chairman George Garcia na kahit na ang pagproseso ng mga COC ay maituturing na “ministerial in nature,” mahalaga pa rin na matiyak ng tanggapan na mapangalagaan ang integridad ng proseso ng halalan.

“We must use available legal measures, such as disqualification petitions, to address any issues that arise,” ayon pa sa kongresista mula sa 1st District ng Leyte.

“The law provides transparent processes for challenging unqualified candidates, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these mechanisms are used appropriately to maintain public trust,” saad pa ni Speaker Romualdez, pangulo ng nangungunang partido na Lakas-CMD.

“Each applicant’s qualifications must be rigorously reviewed to ensure they meet the necessary legal requirements. The integrity of our electoral system relies heavily on the credibility of those who seek to hold public office,” ayon pa sa pinuno ng Kamara na isa ring abogado.

“Please get to know the candidates, verify their qualifications, and proactively question any doubts that may arise. We all share the responsibility of safeguarding our democracy, and by working together, we can prevent any recurrence of past issues,” dagdag pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

“Together, let us build a government that truly reflects the aspirations of the Filipino people — one that is transparent, accountable, and dedicated to genuine public service,” saad pa nito, kasabay ng kanyang paalala sa mga botante na palaging isaalang-alang na sa tamang pagpili ay makakamit ang gobyernong nararapat sa sambayanan.