Viral It’s Showtime contestant Heart Aquino, who recently admitted on national television that she was unfamiliar with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), visited the agency’s office to receive voting education.
Heart, a contestant in the Kapamilya noontime show’s “Sexy Babe” pageant segment, became a hot topic on social media after admitting that she had “limited” knowledge about the poll body and was an unregistered voter during a Q&A portion.
Coming from Pampanga, the candidate paid a visit in COMELEC’s main office in Intramuros on Tuesday, after receiving an invitation from the commission.
COMELEC Chairman George Garcia said the initiative aims to educate young people about the commission’s role, as quoted by The Philippine STAR in its report.
Garcia further acknowledged this as a failure on their part and emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “It is for our full understanding as to why (she is unaware). It is our failure… we have to immediately rectify.”
He also stated that COMELEC is open to educating others who may lack awareness about the agency.
“It is possible that many youths or Filipinos are like her. It is thus our solemn duty to explain who we are and what we are doing,” declared Garcia.
During her visit Heart will be oriented on COMELEC’s work, while the agency seeks to understand why she was unaware of it.
The official previously expressed concern over the lack of voting awareness among the younger generation following the Heart’s viral moment.
“Nalulungkot po ako parang failure ang Comelec. Parang kami ang may kasalanan doon. Parang hindi namin naipapahayag mabuti sa sambayanan kung sino kami, ano ang kaming katungkulan, at magkaroroon pa pala ng eleksyon,” Garcia’s statement read, as quoted by ABS-CBN News.
He further asserted that Aquino’s situation likely reflects a larger issue affecting many Filipinos who lack awareness of the electoral process.
“Ang gusto namin alamin, bakit? Dahil ba sa kahirapan? Dahil ba sa kawalan ng pamamaraan para malaman ‘yung mga nangyayari sa ating bansa? O talagang may kakulangan talaga sa voter’s education program ng Comelec?” Garcia pondered about the much-talked-about issue.
