As the youth and students, the future pillars of society, we're raising our voices today to advocate for change in the selection of our political leaders. We seek leaders who will stand for our rights, bolster the economy, and ensure equality in every aspect of society. To secure these aspirations, we implore the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to amend its standards and qualifications for political candidates.

Our request is simple yet impactful: COMELEC needs to establish an investigation process for potential candidates. This will ensure that their educational background and political experience are fitting for the office they are aspiring to. For example, first-time candidates without political experience should have had relevant education in politics or related fields. Education plays a role in effective leadership - according to a UNESCO report, educated leaders are more likely to make informed decisions and implement policies effectively.

Another pivotal criterion is a clean legal slate. Any candidate with previous convictions should be disqualified, viewing their track record as a vital predictor of their future actions.

Lastly, the requirement of having a college degree is to ensure a basic level of knowledge and understanding for the candidate, thereby setting a standard of what we expect of our leaders. This aligns with global trends: the World Bank estimates that in over 75% of nations, the leader has a higher education degree.

By implementing these changes, COMELEC would be setting a higher bar for political leadership, enabling a firmer and a more prosperous future for our nation. Join our cause; sign this petition today. Let's encourage COMELEC to ensure the quality of our leadership.

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