‘Clueless’ Heart Aquino
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended an invitation to 20-year-old noontime show contestant Heart Aquino after she admitted having little knowledge about the poll body’s mandate and functions.
Comelec chairperson George Garcia confirmed that Aquino, a contestant on the “Sexy Babe” segment of “It’s Showtime,” is expected to visit their Intramuros, Manila office on Tuesday.
“I invited her to come to the Comelec. She will be coming from Pampanga,” Garcia said in a telephone interview on Monday.
Comelec sees opportunity to educate the public
Garcia emphasized that the invitation is not to reprimand Aquino but rather to provide her with a better understanding of Comelec’s role in Philippine democracy.
“It is for our full understanding as to why she is unaware of Comelec’s mandate. If there is a lack of awareness, then that is our failure, and we must rectify it immediately,” he said.
The poll chief also acknowledged the possibility that many young Filipinos may share the same lack of awareness about the commission’s role in elections.
“It is our solemn duty to explain who we are and what we do. If there are others like her, we are more than willing to educate them as well,” Garcia added.
Aquino’s response sparks discussion
Aquino’s lack of knowledge about the Comelec became apparent during the Feb. 28 episode of “It’s Showtime,” when she was asked what message she would like to share with the commission.
She candidly responded, “Hindi po ako masyadong knowledgeable sa Comelec” (I am not too knowledgeable about the Comelec).
Her response quickly caught attention, prompting Comelec’s outreach effort to engage with the public, especially the youth, in understanding the importance of elections and voter participation.