Modernization is an inevitable part
of a progressive society and does affect almost every aspect of a person’s
everyday life. As the New Year 2016 begins a good number of people are already
looking forward to May as this year is Election season for the Philippines and
it too gets its own boost of modernization. But even though the intent of
modernization has always been progress it does meet its own set of controversies.
At the forefront now in Election related controversies is the much needed technological
boost brought about by the Biometrics System and the implementation of Republic
Act No. 10367: An Act Providing for Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration.
At a certain perspective you can
definitely discern the anomalies this new system would address. At full implementation
this new system would certainly reduce or perhaps eliminate a number of election
anomalies like Flying voters and ghost voters to merely an election urban
legend. We certainly do not know why a process like this which has seemingly
obvious benefits still gets to have its own controversy instead of the 100% nod
of everyone. Sadly enough this one does have one too as a group led by the
Kabataan partylist were briefly successful in stopping the full implementation
of R.A. No. 10367 and its effects by taking their case of opposing the “No Bio,
No Vote” policy of the COMELEC for the 2016 elections to the Supreme Court and
was able to secure a temporary restraining order on the rule. But as mentioned
it was short lived as the TRO is now dismissed and thus making the “No Bio, No
Boto” policy of the COMELEC implementable this coming May elections.
As commendable as it is for them to
show their eagerness in exercising their right to vote I believe that the
enthusiasm they are showing is a bit misplaced. The Right to Suffrage is both a
citizen’s privilege and responsibility. The voting population is actually privileged
to have our own government working on implementing a system that is aimed to
cleanup a reputably controversial method of electing our leaders. I believe
that in order to show our gratitude to our government for doing this it is our responsibility
to heed to the implementing rules and go out and do our are part in making this
undertaking successful. I understand that they are not opposing the Biometric System
per se but rather they are fighting for the right of those who failed to comply
with the new rule as the implementation was not as efficient as everyone hoped
as they were met with long lines and crowds that overwhelmed and thus were
unable to accommodate a few who were there to fulfill their side of the deal.
But then again I believe we should all agree that the purpose for this new
system would be a benefit to us all. Yes it is sad that these group will not be
able to take part in the coming election despite their eagerness to do so but
to make the glass half-full, as we are a society that puts a high premium on
freedom the coming elections will certainly be not the last that they take part
of. With the Biometrics system fully implement we hope that it give us a
cleaner election and with it the real voice of the people will be heard and the
people that will emerge victorious will be the real leaders that the people
want to be serving country.
God bless us all this coming May
2016.
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