The right to
vote or suffrage is the most essential right a citizen of a democratic country has;
its exercise truly shows that the government is really represented by its
people. Our constitution states “Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of
the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law” these words written
in our constitution indicates how powerful the said right here in our country.
It clearly states that no law shall disqualify a qualified citizen to
participate in an election. But what if a law requiring a mandatory biometric
registration which if not complied shall stated in the law “be deactivated”
from voting?
The “No bio, no boto
policy” a law which purpose is to establish a clean, complete, permanent and
updated list to adapt to the modernization of elections, it is also intended to
prevent flying and ghost voters. The comelec gave an ample time for the public
to comply with this policy religiously campaigned for its success. However,
knowing us Filipinos being guilty of manana habit made around 3 million
registered voters fail to comply. 3 million is serious number of citizens that
can be denied of its right to suffrage.
A party list
questioned the constitutionality of the law governing the policy on the no bio
no boto policy arguing that the policy adds a substantive requirement for the
citizens to exercise to exercise their right. The party list also said that it
is unreasonable to deprive a constitutional right just because of failure to
provide biometrics even though the said citizen is a registered voter. The SC
rejected the party list’s argument and said that “registering is only one step
towards voting, and it is not one of the elements that makes a citizen a
qualified voter,”
In my opinion, the
constitution is clear about what it stated that no law should disqualify a
person exercising its right to vote. Validation thru biometrics is a great step
for the modernization and I believe that it will serve it purpose. However, I
also believe the failure to comply shall deactivate or should I say deprive a
person to vote is truly unconstitutional. It is a very high price to pay just
for the failure to comply of the said policy which not an essential requirement
for being a qualified voter.
It is also hard to think that a simple habit can potentially deprive a person's constitutional right to vote.
No comments:
Post a Comment