By Atty. Antonio P. Pekas
are now.”
The most recent survey on the populace’s pulse on federalism revealed that a great majority of Filipinos are against the concept. But ask Filipinos if they like to live in the US, Germany or Switzerland which all have federal systems of government and, chances are, they will overwhelmingly say, YES!
There is a common denominator here with the Cordillera’s quest for autonomy. Those who were campaigning against autonomy (mostly the leftists) in the past just scared Cordillerans by telling them that once we are autonomous the government will tax everything in order to survive. The regional tax collectors will come and count your chickens or pigs and there will be corresponding taxes for every head. They will also count the number of potted vegetables or flowers around your yard and there will be corresponding tax dues. The result, autonomy was overwhelmingly rejected by Cordillerans twice in a row.
The common denominator in both instances is the widespread ignorance of the people on the matters at hand. I would presume that majority just said they are anti-federalism not because they did not like it but because they did not understand how it works. It is the same case with Cordillera autonomy, at least that is how I see it.
While there is no quarrel with the fact that there is no perfect governmental system and that any kind whether federal or autonomy have also its negative sides or dangers, people should choose after having been fully informed and should have understood what they were voting for.
How can people understand if they are not educated enough? That is the question.
Thus, isn’t it high time that there should be a minimum requirement of literacy or education before people can be allowed to vote?
As one philosopher said, democracy can only work if majority of the voters are educated. But how much education should be required? At least having enough understanding of how basic socioeconomic and political systems work. Or enough understanding for one to vote on the merits—or on the ability of a candidate or a political system to improve his life or that of his community. Or that one will not succumb to vote buying strategies or will not consider personal or tribal considerations if such is not for the common good.
Of course, these are just motherhood statements. Yet they might be worth considering if we are to get out from where we are now– and towards a more progressive status. And as of now, there is not yet any measure to try and upgrade the requirements for one to be allowed to vote.
Supposedly, in the draft federal constitution, there is now an educational requirement for one to run for the presidency. Not just any Tomas or Ricardo can go for it. This is an admission that there is a need for some socioeconomic and political understanding to be able to effectively participate in a major political exercise.
And casting one’s vote is a major political exercise.**
