By: Reigh John Bench Almendras
Comelec Representative Mr. Ramirez graced the Letranites with a talk on this year's upcoming BSKE. Photo courtesy of Eduardo Nollora Jr. and Ram Christian Campos of The LANCE.
The National Service and Training Program (NSTP) Department and the Political and Legal Studies Area (PALS), in collaboration with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) hosted two events entitled Philippine Elections: Then and Now and "#YOUthVote: Boto ng Kabataan Para sa Kinabukasan" on Friday, October 20.
Philippine Elections: Then and Now
In the first event, letranites were gathered in Salon de Actos for the official launching of the photo exhibit organized by the Comelec to present the different "faces" of elections in the Philippines.
The official representative of Comelec, Mr. Mark Christopher Ramirez discussed the progression of election in the Philippines from male dominated electorate, the rise of democracy and suffrage, its decline during the dictatorship of former President Marcos Sr., and its revitalization post Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Revolution in 1986.
#YOUthVote: Boto ng Kabataan Para sa Kinabukasan
In the second event, letranites gathered in the SC Auditorium for a forum entitled "#YOUthVote: Boto ng Kabataan Para sa Kinabukasan".
Mr. Ramirez once again graced the program as its speaker and discussed voter's education to educate first time voters and emphasize the functions the candidates under Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan must fulfill.
"Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates should be able not only to organize basketball leagues to raise funds, but also to secure a Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP) to advance the welfare of the youth in your community." Comelec Representative Ramirez said.
"Barangay officials are also responsible for advancing the youth by maintaining day care centers and partnership with the SK to implement programs for education and health through the CBYDP." Ramirez added.
It was also emphasized that the BSKE 2023 will be held on October 30 from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM for regular voters and 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM for persons with disabilities (PWD), senior citizens, and pregnant women. Said protocol is still subject to changes if deemed necessary by the Comelec.
During the elections, voters within ages 15 to 17 will receive one SK voting ballot, ages ranging from 18 to 30 will be given one SK and one barangay ballot, and 31 years old above with one barangay ballot.
According to the latest data of the Comelec, there are approximately 92 million registered voters in the Philippines comprising roughly 22 million BSKE voters and 68 million regular voters.
With an original term of three years, all winners in the upcoming BSKE will only serve for two years in compliance with the nullification of Republic Act No.11935 by the Supreme Court that had postponed the original BSKE date in 2022.