Senator Urges Medical Certificate Requirement and FOI Bill Passage for Electoral Transparency

During a recent committee meeting, Senator Erwin Tulfo urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to implement a policy requiring electoral candidates to submit medical certificates verifying their physical and mental fitness to hold public office. Tulfo emphasized that the confidentiality of these medical records would be strictly maintained, with copies provided exclusively to Comelec.

"Perhaps we could consider including this provision in the Freedom of Information Bill so Comelec can demand a medical certificate from each candidate. Our intent is not discrimination, but ensuring candidates are mentally and physically capable of serving," Tulfo stated at the Committee on Public Information and Mass Media organizational session, which focused on bills related to the People’s Freedom of Information Act.

Comelec Executive Director Teopisto Elnas Jr. responded that current laws do not mandate medical certificates for candidates. He noted that the commission’s requirements mainly cover personal details, with sensitive information redacted before public posting of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs). Elnas also recalled that a prior attempt to require drug test results was invalidated by the Supreme Court. "We are not asking for any medical status from candidates," he added.

Tulfo stressed that assessing candidates’ health is crucial to prevent situations where voters elect individuals who may be physically or mentally unfit, potentially rendering votes ineffective should the official become incapacitated or pass away. He highlighted the importance of mental health, stating, "What if a candidate has mental health issues or disabilities that are not evident during the campaign? How can constituents rely on such a candidate once elected?"

He further remarked that psychological fitness should be prioritized over physical ailments, noting, "I’m less concerned with physical conditions, such as cancer, but psychological wellness is critical. There is sufficient time for Comelec to evaluate this recommendation before the 2028 elections."

In addition to health transparency, Tulfo advocated for the immediate passage of the Freedom of Information Bill. He remarked, "For too long, our citizens have been denied access to transparent governance. The FOI Bill dismantles barriers between the people and the truth, empowering them to scrutinize government spending and hold officials accountable."

He concluded by underscoring the bill’s significance amid ongoing revelations of government corruption: "Without the FOI Bill, genuine accountability remains unattainable. It is the strongest tool we can offer the Filipino people to safeguard their trust and democracy."