Tolentino

Overhaul of poll system pressed

September 25, 2022 PS Jun M. Sarmiento 226 views

IN an interview over radio Saturday, September 24, Sen. Francis Tolentino shared his belief that the time has come for a total overhaul of the country’s electoral system, stating that piecemeal amendments to the Omnibus Election Code will not suffice anymore.

Tolentino suggested exploring the use of new technologies currently available to build an efficient, faster, credible elections possibly exploring the possibility of an extended election period instead of a simultaneously held single day event.

“Naiisip ko din yung gawing hindi simultaneous na isang araw para makakilos ang Commission on Elections,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino stressed that there are many improvements that can be made to remedy disenfranchisement of many Filipinos especially those OFWs, seamen, that cannot vote while at sea.

“Milyon po yan. Milyon po yan,” Tolentino said.

When Tolentino also renewed the call for hybrid elections, stating that while quick and fast results are desirable, which what automated transmissions can provide, people also believe that a transparent (albeit, manual) counting process should also exist side-by-side automation. what specific improvements can still be pursued, the senator said.