Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal
Voter education is something I’ve been pushing for, even after retiring from Comelec in February, 2011. It sometimes feels like a lonely road, as voter education becomes “sexy” only when election approaches. However, the need to hammer to the public the importance of your vote is crucial, if we want to reach our goal of democratic maturity.
Last year, I noticed that on social media, more and more people have been encouraging others to register and vote. That’s a very good development, and I hope it’s sustained. Last week, I decided to continue with the advocacy in promoting voter education and voter empowerment and went on the road to encourage more people to register as voters. I drove from Metro Manila all the way to Cagayan de Oro City, stopping by Tagum City to attend the launch of the voter education program of former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. I intend to do this regularly, driving to various parts of the country (always following
#ASKGOYO
By this time, you’ve probably already done your new year’s resolution. Eat less, exercise more, lose weight, etc. By now, unfortunately many will already have broken their new year’s resolution. Promising to start again next year. It seems it’s a cycle, and we just promise to do the same thing, year after year. Some with success, some, well, they’ll try again the year after.
However, one new year’s resolution which we can easily do is register as a voter. Every day, I’m asked about how to register as a voter by people who want to have a louder voice in our democracy. Promising to register as a voter is easy, doable, and can be done while you’re doing other activities, like watching the latest shows and movies on Netflix. It’s always a pleasure explaining the process to people who want to register as voters.