Drilon campaigns for voter education in upcoming election

Senate President Franklin Drilon opens the First Session of the Senate for the Year 2015 on Tuesday (Jan. 20, 2015) at the Senate Building in Pasay City. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – Senate President Franklin Drilon wants to intensify voter education in the country adding that the people should not pick an “undeserving” leader.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Drilon said that voters must carefully look into the integrity of the candidates.

“Huwag po tayo magpadala sa mga salita ng kung sinu-sino, kundi ay tignan natin ng husto yung mga humaharap na kandidato at tignan natin ang kanilang integridad,” he said.

(Let us not be swayed by sweet talks but instead let’s scrutinize very well these candidates and focus on their integrity.)

“Sa akin po ay pinakaimportante ang integridad sa ihahalal natin na lider ng bansa. Dahilan po sa kung hindi maganda ang record, ay uulitin po ito kapag nahalal na sa puwesto,” he said.

(For me, what’s important is integrity in electing a leader in this country. Because if there’s a bad record, this will be repeated once they’re in office)

He then urged the government to intensify its campaign to enhance voter education in the country.

Drilon also added that as responsible citizens’ it is the people’s duty to be one with the government in promoting voter education.

“Hindi na po nila kailangan pa na maghintay pa. Ito po ay tungkulin natin bilang mamamayan ng ating bansa. Dapat po turuan natin lalo na ang ating mga kabataan na ang kahalagahan ng mga eleksyon, at huwag nating pabayaan na ang ating bansa ay mapunta duon sa mga hindi bagay na mamuno sa ating bansa,” he said.

(They don’t have to wait anymore. This is our duty as citizens of our country. We should teach the youth the importance of an election and let us not allow our country to be handled by those who aren’t fit to run the nation.)

He added that it is important for the voters specially the youth to elect the right people who will be leading the future of the nation.

“Sa akin po, importante ang voters’ education, upang ipaliwanag natin lalo na sa ating kabataan ang kahalagahan ng tamang pagboto sa mga pinuno ng ating bansa, dahilan diyan po nakasalalay ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan,” he added.

(For me, what’s important is voters’ education to explain especially to the youth the importance of electing the right leaders for our country, because the future of our nation lies there.)