Senator Erwin Tulfo has pressed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to tighten candidate requirements by including both psychological clearance and a medical certificate before anyone can run for public office.
At a Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media hearing, Tulfo said Filipinos deserve leaders capable of serving their full terms, stressing that health and mental fitness should be part of the vetting process. He warned it would be a national embarrassment if an elected official later turned out to be psychologically unfit for the role.
“Siguro, Mr. Chair, mahalaga po na tignan din natin na isama na po sa Freedom of Information Bill ng Comelec… na may kandidato na tatakbo sa mga halalan,” Tulfo said, pointing out that the requirement is not about discrimination but about ensuring capability.
Comelec Executive Director Teopisto Elnas Jr., however, clarified that under the Omnibus Election Code, candidates are not mandated to submit medical certificates when filing their certificates of candidacy. He also recalled that an earlier effort to require drug testing for candidates was struck down by the Supreme Court.
Tulfo stood firm, emphasizing that voters should not be forced to gamble on candidates whose health or psychological stability may later compromise governance. “Paano mo naman aasahan kung may krung-krung pala sa ulo ‘yung kandidato na iyon pag nanalo? Paano papababain mo ‘yun eh nanalo na siya,” he said.
