Thesis For Edit by DR L

THE PROPOSED QUALIFICATIONS FOR SENATORS IN THE
PHILIPPINES
An Undergraduate Research
Presented to
The School of Education, Liberal Arts, Music and Social Work
Centro Escolar University
In Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science
by
Ballesteros, Theo Miguel A.
Carlos, Jesimiel G.
March 2016
APPROVAL SHEET
This thesis: THE PROPOSED QULIFICATIONS FOR SENATORS IN THE
PHILIPPINES prepared and submitted by Theo Miguel A. Ballesteros and
Jesimiel G. Carlos is hereby accepted as partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree BACHELOR OF ARTS MAJOR IN POLITICAL
SCIENCE
____________________________ ____________________________
Dr. Maria Myriam Bacud Atty. Aldrin Quintana
Panelist Panelist
____________________________ ____________________________
Mr. Julius De Leon Dr. Juliana Laraya
Panelist Adviser
Accepted as partial fulfillment for the degree of Bachelor of Arts Major in

Political Science
____________________________
Dr. Teresita G. Carey
Dean
Date _______________
ii
RESEARCH ABSTRACT
Title: The Proposed Qualifications for Senators in the Philippines
Researchers: School: Centro Escolar University
Theo Miguel A. Ballesteros Adviser: Dr. Juliana Laraya
Jesimiel G. Carlos No. of Papers: 77
Rationale/Background:
The Philippines is a democratic and republican country, in which
the country enjoys a type of government which is ruled by the people
through direct representation. A democratic country also experience a
political phenomenon called popular election where people tend to vote
for candidates who are already well known or a candidate who is famous,
and this situation tends to put famous or well-known people into public
office. The constitution provides lax requirements for a citizen to be a
legislator in the Philippines. The combination of both phenomena explains
why the congress and the senate are filled with legislators who have little
knowledge about the bureaucracy and law.
The researchers chose the topic to assess the current legislative
qualifications and to propose improved additional qualifications for
legislative candidates. The study aims to improve the qualifications of
candidates through a recommendation of augmented constitutional
ii
qualifications in the legislative branch in order for it to serve the country
better and more efficiently.
Procedure and Treatment of Data
The researchers used the survey and interview research method
and the descriptive method along with the purposive sampling technique.
The data gathering instrument used were the questionnaire and interview.
The researchers used the weighted mean and standard deviation methods
in obtaining the total results of the study.
Statement of the Problem
This study aimed to get the perception of selected SELAMS students
on the existing constitutional qualifications and on the proposed
additional qualifications to become a senator in the Philippines.
Specifically, this study aims to answer the following:
1. How did the respondents perceive the current constitutional
qualifications to become a senator in terms of the following:
1.1 Compliance
1.2 Fairness
1.3 Practicality
1.4 Relevance
2. How did the respondents perceive the proposed qualifications
based on the following aspects of a candidate?

ii
2.1 Academic qualifications
2.2 Integrity
2.3 Experience
2.4 Economic status
2.5 Health
3. What improvement may be proposed in the selection of
senators?
Findings
Based on the survey conducted, the following were gathered as
answers to the questions provided in the statement of the problem.
1. Perception of the respondents on the existing constitutional

qualifications to become a senator based on selected criteria
The data revealed that the respondents from the students of School
of Education Liberal Arts, Music and Social Work viewed the current
constitutional qualifications as easy to comply with, fair, practical and
relevant. The only qualifications that showed minimal approval were the
following: candidate must be at least 35 years old at the time of election
and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately
preceding the day of the election.
2. Perception of the respondents on the proposed qualifications

to improve the qualifications of senatorial candidates
The data showed that the respondents approved of the proposed
qualifications based on their academic qualification, integrity, experience,
iii
economic status and health. The only proposed qualifications the
respondents rejected was the qualification that a prospective senator
should be a civil service exam passer.
3. Improvements proposed in the selection of senators
The findings revealed that the respondents were for the
improvement of the qualifications in choosing a senator in the country.
Their answers showed that the current qualifications were essential, but
not enough to ensure that the country would have quality legislators in
the upper chamber. The respondents answers showed that they were for
the inclusion of the proposed qualifications in the field of academic
qualification, integrity, experience, economic status and health
qualifications with the exclusion of the proposed qualification that a
prospective senator must be a civil service exam passer.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the researcher came up with the following
conclusions:
1. The improved additional qualifications were the expectation of the
respondents.
2. The respondents have a high standard on choosing law makers
and are vastly aware of issues regarding the legislative branch.
3. Improving the current constitutional qualifications will act as a
safety net in improving the peoples pool of choices in voting for
iv
candidates, instead of choosing based on popularity, name recall, and
political dynasty.
Recommendations
Based on the conclusion, the researchers would like to suggest the
following:
1. In case of a constitutional revision, especially on Article VI,
Section 3, the researchers recommend the inclusion of the proposed
qualifications to enhance the current constitutional requisites to become
a senator in the Philippines. A proposed draft of the bill (appendix A) for
the amended qualifications of senators is recommended to be reviewed by
the legislature.
2. Political science must be included in general education subjects
especially in the K12 Curriculum of Centro Escolar University.
3. Voters education seminars must be implemented to teach the
electorate issues regarding politics and elections especially on political
dynasties and on how to choose candidates based on merit and not on
popularity.
v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The researchers wish to extend their unending appreciation to the
following whose efforts and valuable contributions made the
accomplishment of this work possible:
Dr. Juliana Laraya, Assistant Dean of SELAMS, Centro Escolar
University, for her professional comments and suggestions in the
refinement of the manuscript of this work; and
The panelists, for their shared knowledge and helpful suggestions
for the development and improvement of this study.
TMAB
JGC
vi
DEDICATION
To God creator of all;
To our mothers, Ma. Sylvanna A. Ballesteros and Eva G. Carlos, who

supported and inspired us in our undertakings;
To our fathers, Celso K. Ballesteros and Rodel D. Carlos, who supported

us financially and think we are capable of greatness and limitless
capabilities;
To our friends, who have always been there through good and hard
times.
TMAB
JGC
vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
List of Tables........................................................................... xi
List of Figures......................................................................... xiii
Chapter
1. The Problem and its Background
Introduction. 1
Background......................................................... 2
Setting of the Study. 4
Theoretical Framework... 5
Paradigm of the Study.. 7
Statement of the Problem.... 8
Significance of the Study.... 9
Scope, Limitation and Delimitations of the Study.. 10
Definition of Terms...... 10
2. Review of Related Literature and Studies
Local Literature 11
Foreign Literature... 15
Local Studies.... 22
Foreign Studies 25
viii
Chapter Page
3. Methods and Procedure
Methods of Research .............. 29
Respondents of the Study.. 30
Sampling Technique.... 30
Data Gathering Instrument .. 32
Data Gathering Procedure................................. 34
Validation of the Questionnaire.... 34
Statistical Treatment of Data................................... 35
4. Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data
1. Perception on the Existing Constitutional

Qualifications to become a Senator... 37
1.1 Compliance....... 37
1.2 Fair............ 40
1.3 Timely..... 43
1.4 Relevant..... 45
2. Perception on Possible Additions to Improve the
Qualifications of Senators ......... 48
2.1 Academics... 48
2.2 Integrity... 51
2.3 Experience..... 54
2.4 Economic Status.. 56
2.5 Health.. 58
ix
Chapter Page
5. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
Summary of Findings 62
Conclusions.. 62
Recommendations.. 64
References. 65
Appendices 69
Curriculum Vitae 77
x
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page

Qualifications Based on Its Attainability .. 39

Qualifications Based on Its Fairness 42

Qualifications Based on Its Timeliness... 45

Qualifications Based on Its Relevance. 48
5. Perception on the Possible Additions on

the Qualifications in Terms of Academics.. 51

the Qualifications in Terms of Integrity... 53

the Qualifications in Terms of Experience.. 56

the Qualifications in Terms of Economic Status.. 58

the Qualifications in Terms of Health.. 59
xi
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1. Map of Centro Escolar University, Manila............... 5
2. Paradigm of the Study Showing the Leadership

Qualities in Line with Legislative Functions and
Constitutional Qualifications... 7
xii
1
CHAPTER I
The Problem and its Background
Introduction
The legislative branch serves as the main law making body of the
Philippines; without it, fabrications of laws needed to ensure the safety
and well-being of the Filipino citizens will not come into fruition.
In the past few years, controversies, corruption, electoral vote
buying, and money laundering that surfaced in the Congress, especially
the Senate, have diminished the trust of the citizens in the government
body. Government officials are placed under legal proceedings with a
promise to the people that due process and honest treatment will be
exercised, but as of now, few have been sentenced for their unlawful acts.
In regard of the issues stated above, the researchers have decided
to propose improved additional qualifications to become a legislator and
get the perceptions of SELAMS students in Centro Escolar University on
the existing and proposed qualifications of senators. Simultaneously, the
constitutional qualifications were treated as a subject of determining the
qualities of elected legislative officials with their functions as another
subject of concern.
2
Background
The Philippines is the first democratic and republican country in
Asia and the first one to ratify a written constitution. The country has
changed its constitution four times, namely: Malolos Constitution, 1935
Constitution, 1973 Constitution and the current 1987 Constitution. The
fundamental law of the land provides the assurance of the protection of
rights and liberties of every citizen, gives a foundation on what kind of
government the country should have and gives what qualifications should
a citizen have to be able to run for public office.
The 1987 Constitutions qualifications to become a Senator in the
Philippines are laid down in Article VI, Section 3 as follows:
No person shall be a senator unless he is a natural born citizen of the
Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least thirty-five years of
age, able to read and write, a registered voter, a resident of the Philippines
for not less than two years immediately after preceding the day of the
election.
According to Article IV, Section 2, of the Constitution, natural-born
citizens are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without
having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship.
Those who elect the Philippine citizenship in accordance with paragraph
(3), Section 1 hereof shall be deemed natural-born citizens.

3
The minimum age qualification is set at 35 and must be attained
on the day of the elections, in which the voting polls are opened and the
voters exercise their voting rights. The provision is narrowly restricted in
order to lay down a specific condition to avoid discrepancies in elections
and proclamation days regarding the qualification of the candidates.
The literacy qualification is specifically required, stating that the
respondents must be able to both read and write.
Residence is defined by Associate Justice Isagani Cruz (Philippine
Political Law, 2002) as the place where one habitually resides and to which
when he is absent, he has the intention of returning. A person cannot have
two residences at the same time; acquisition of a new residence results in
forfeiture of the old. The candidate can choose to reside in any part of the
Philippines, unlike in the case of the qualifications of being a member of
the House of Representatives in which one must reside in the district
where he is running.
The qualifications prescribed in this section are continuing
requirements, which means that the individual must possess these
qualifications for his/her entire term.
The enumeration laid down by the Constitution is exclusive under
the Latin principle of expression unius est exclusion alterius. This means
that Congress cannot anymore add additional qualifications other than
those provided by the Constitution.

4
Senate is smaller in number as compared to the House of
Representatives. The members of this chamber are elected at large by the
entire electorate. The rationale for this rule intends to make the Senate a
training ground for national leaders and possibly a springboard for the
presidency. It follows also that the Senator, having a national rather than
only a district constituency, will have a broader outlook of the problems of
the country, instead of being restricted by narrow viewpoints and interests.
With such perspective, the Senate is likely to be more circumspect, or at
least less impulsive, than the House of Representatives.
Setting of the Study
The researchers conducted the study in Centro Escolar University.
Centro Escolar University is situated in Sampaloc, Manila. The
researchers conducted their study in the School of Education, Liberal Arts,
Music and Social Work which is the home building of the respondents. As
confirmed by the University official website www.ceu.edu.ph, SELAMS
department was built in the late 1990s to integrate the four major
departments of the university. The School of ELAMS main office is situated
in Carmen De Luna Building beside Concepcion Aguila street in Sampaloc,
Manila.
The PACUCOA accredited the courses of Secondary Education,
Elementary Education and Liberal Arts to Level IV, and it was certified by
FAAP in November 2012.

5
FIGURE 1
Map of Centro Escolar University, Manila
Theoretical Framework
According to Plato (as cited by Curtis, 2008), the leaders of the ideal
state must have souls in which reason must reign over their spirits and
appetites. As a result of this, he has the ability and prowess to rule
according to what is right. Leaders must also be citizens educated solely
to be a Philosopher-Ruler. In Plato's view, these rulers were not merely
elite intellectuals, but moral leaders; thus, they have the ability to act for
the benefit of the whole.
Platos theory, as cited by Curtis in his book The Great Political
Theories, is about the ideal state in which that for a government to achieve
6
the goals of the state efficiently, it must possess intelligent and highly
educated citizens to rule. He wondered why rigorous qualifications for
rulers did not exist. He wanted rulers to be intellectually superior and
morally upright to avoid chances of a state having a tyrant ruler or corrupt
and inefficient leaders. Plato stresses the need for a Philosopher Ruler to
help achieve the goal of every individual: Happiness.
While Platos theory on leadership is based on morality, Locke (as
cited by Curtis, 2008) points out that people are not always reasonable or
rational. They work to ensure that people's rights are being respected and
that the interests of the community at large. The ideal leader is seen as
one who is able to facilitate participation in major decisions .The leader is
thus a moderator and a protector of rights.

7
Legislative
Powerful Functions Passes laws
Full of Wisdom Defines and punishes
Educated A natural born crimes
Moraly righteous citizen of the Determines the taxes
Moderator Philippines Reorganizes, creates,
or abolishes offices
Protector of At least thirty five under the civil service
Rights years of age Creates and abolishes
Able to read and courts
Qualities of write Appropriates funds to
Registered voter be spent for public
Ideal Leader purposes
A resident of the
Philippines for not Constitutional
less than two years Requirements
Figure 2
Paradigm of the study showing the Leadership Qualities in line with

Legislative Functions and Constitutional Qualifications
The Paradigm of the Study as shown in figure 2 indicates three
different sections: the Qualities of the Ideal Leader, Constitutional
Qualifications to become a Legislator and their respective Legislative
Functions. The qualities of a leader are based on the theories of Plato and
Locke in the Theoretical Framework. This paradigm implies that the
qualities of a leader must be in line with the functions of his profession.

8
Statement of the Problem
This study aimed to get the perception of selected SELAMS students
on the existing constitutional qualifications and on the proposed
additional qualifications to become a senator in the Philippines.
Specifically, this study aims to answer the following:
1. How did the respondents perceive the current constitutional
qualifications to become a senator in terms of the following:
1.1 Compliance
1.2 Fairness
1.3 Practicality
1.4 Relevance
2. How did the respondents perceive the proposed qualifications
based on the following aspects of a candidate?
2.1 Academic qualifications
2.2 Integrity
2.3 Experience
2.4 Economic status
2.5 Health
3. What improvement may be proposed in the selection of
senators?
9
Significance of the Study
This part of the study discusses the importance of assessing the
perception of SELAMS students to create additional qualification to the
existing constitutional qualifications. This study will benefit the following:
The students. The study will inform the students about the different
constitutional qualifications to become a legislator, educate them about
the political issues in the country, to incorporate the essence of choosing
a competent leader as stated in the principles of Lee Kuan Yew, Plato and
John Locke, and to stimulate a sense of seeking and being a part in
improving the political setting in the country.
The public. The proposed study can create a context of awareness
about the possible limitations of the current constitution and how it can
affect the performance of government officials.
The future researchers. The proposed study will serve as guide to future
researchers. The methods and research designs to be used can provide a
better and easier understanding in the development of their study, and
can be used as basis of reference.
Scope, Limitation and Delimitations of the Study
This study was concentrated mainly among SELAMS students of
Centro Escolar University. The study limited its coverage on studying and
analyzing about the upper chamber of the bicameral congress of the

10
Philippine legislative branch, the senate. Its main purpose was on
determining the reactions or perceptions of the political science students
of Centro Escolar University regarding the constitutional qualifications to
become a senator in the Philippines and their assessments on the
proposed additional qualifications to become a legislator.
Furthermore, other details, such as specific controversies
regarding the legislative branch were not included. Other branches of the
government such as the judicial and executive branch were also not
included since the researchers were more concerned with the perceptions
of the SELAMS students regarding the constitutional qualifications to
become a senator in the Philippines.
Definition of Terms
The following terms are defined to understand fully the research.
Constitution. It pertains to a body of rules and principles in accordance
with which the powers of sovereignty are regularly exercised. As thus
defined, it covers both written and unwritten constitutions (De Leon,
2008).
Due process of law. It pertains to fair and reasonable methods of
procedure prescribed by law (De Leon, 2008).
Electorate. It is defined as people who actually voted or are expected to
vote in an election (De Leon, 2008).

11
Constituency. It is defined in the study as a body of voters in a specified
area who elect a representative to a legislative body (De Leon, 2008).
Expression unius est exclusio alterius. It is a Latin term meaning All
that is not included is excluded (De Leon, 2008).

12
CHAPTER 2
Review of Related Literature and Studies
In this chapter, the researchers presented the materials, literature
and studies, related to the current study. The related literatures and
studies are presented in order to support the present research.
Local Literature
According to Coronel, Chua, Limban and Cruz (2007), politics is a
profession like any other. They said that the requisites like that of any
other profession include high education, training and experience. Those
who want to succeed in this profession must satisfy the requisites. No
legislature in the world is completely representative of its citizens, even the
most advanced democracies.
In their book The rule makers: How the wealthy and the wellborn
dominate the congress, they stated that legislators are mostly male; they
are also richer and better educated than the people they represent. They
constitute elite whose attributes whether these are education, skills, social
status, wealth, intellect and political skill enable them to win legislative
positions in popular election.
In the book Governing the Philippines Bureaucracy, Locsin (2006)
mentioned that laws are like cars and lawmaking is sometimes like
13
throwing good money after bad. First resources are spent making a law
that turns out bad and then more money is spent trying to make it work,
when an improved measure wouldnt cost nearly as much to get the work
done right.
A large portion of the citizens taxes go to the bureaucratical
processes of law-making. When an inefficient bill is carried, the
government funds that went with it when it is finally trashed or
unfavourably voted on on the second or third hearing are gone to waste. It
is, thus, important that those who make the law know how to make good
laws, in order to not waste government budgets on ineffective bills.
In the book, Local Legislators Toolkit (Villaluz, S., 2004), it
mentioned that legislators are expected to perform multiple roles. It
described the desired values and skills of a local legislator, namely;
A legislator must be a policy maker; a policy advocate

the extent to which the legislator is able to generate political
support for policies and proposals deemed beneficial to
constituents; a decision maker the extent to which the
legislator is able to choose from among policy alternatives
which will provide the most benefits to constituents;
facilitator; enabler; negotiator; leader; financier; overseer;
powerbroker; institution builder; educator; evaluator;
grassroots builder; team player; exemplar the extent to
which the legislator is viewed as an asset to the government
and the community and a model to the rest of citizenry and
lastly; a politician in which the legislator engages in politics
... and enters into negotiations with other politicians to settle
conflicts and arrive at a consensus on the goals and
objectives of policy decisions (p. 8).
14
In the book Polity, Economy and Education written by the former
president of the Philippine Laurel, J. (1997), he said that in order to
combat irregularities in the conduct of the leaders in the government,
There should be more careful selection of employees and

officers of the government. The character of the candidates
for office should be properly considered. Not only should they
be academically or intellectually prepared but hey should be
morally fit; the government should not be prostituted by
drafting into it men who cannot be trusted; they must be
upright and trustworthy (p. 28).
Laurel also added that success in government administration
depends a great deal upon the character and quality of officials charged
with the management of public affair. Men actuated by self-interest and
living chiefly to promote their personal profit and pleasure will never be
the desirable guardians of the public interest. He mentioned in his book
that the Philippines has a model form of government which shall be the
envy of other nations, but unless that government is run by men who can
be trusted and relied upon for the promotion of the general welfare, that
government will be of little value, not to say useless.
He further stated that Democracy thrives more luxuriantly though
the active participation of the people in the formation of policies and
principles which govern their basic institutions. Popular institutions can
only grow and be preserved by giving the various elements of the nation a
voice in the formulation of our educational policies which are to be followed

15
by the educational institutions that are the nurseries of democratic
traditions and practices (p. 29).
Danug & Campanilla (2004), on the other hand, stated that clearly,
politics and governance are intertwined, inseparable and reinforces good
governance and vice versa. A leader who wants to make a good impact
upon his own citizens must create positive changes and reforms as
planned, effectively forming and transforming mindsets that can lead to
progression or to retrogression.
From the materials reviewed, governance requires sensitivity to the
needs and expectations of governance constituents. In fact, an effective
political leader acts with sense and sensitivity to the needs and
expectations of the people that quality and responsive service become
possible through him. Service is what makes governance relevant. Service
puts life and purpose in governance. The local materials are related to the
researchers study because they also stress the need for a highly
competent individual to run to public office. The authors of the books try
to show the readers that all throughout the world skillful individuals make
it to politics because of their strength and expertise in some field in which
they can apply in governance.

16
Foreign Literature
It is known, according to Stone (1995) in his book Candidates
matter: Policies and quality differences in congressional elections that
there is no well developed theory of political leadership, perhaps not even
a universally accepted definition. Varying researches, studies and
dissertations can be made about political leadership and its components,
but most agree in one thing; politicians need to be of high standard of
whatever local definition in order for a country to prosper a better nation.
Masciulli, Molchanov and Knight (2009) expressed in their book
The ashgate research companion to political leadership that Leadership
is an essential feature of all government and governance: weak leadership
contributes to government failures, and strong leadership is indispensable
if the government is to succeed. Wise leadership secures prosperity in the
long run; foolhardy leadership may bring about a catastrophe (p. 19).
They also added that The lack of leadership routinizes governance.
Its political and creative aspects fade away: it becomes no different from
administration, focusing solely on pattern maintenance and repetition of
the same. On the other hand, over-assertive leadership pays little attention
to institutional constraints: it may bring about sudden, unexpected
changes, and disrupt the normal flow of the political process, thus
detracting from its transparency and/or predictability (p.19).

17
In the book Explaining legislative oversight in Philippine sub-
national Governments, Abellera (2011) stated that
The legislative branch is considered the formal law-

making body of the local government unit; hence, this job
requires necessary skills for passing regulations,
appropriating funds and deliberating public policy. The
quality of leaders would therefore have a substantial effect on
the degree of governance. In order to contribute to good
governance, legislators must not only have sufficient
knowledge of local conditions; they should be capable of
formulating and analyzing laws, making quality decisions that
would lead to the greater good, and dedicated to their jobs.
However, the prevailing phenomenon of Philippine politics
does not encourage the most qualified members of the society
to vie for electoral posts. In the Philippines, the qualification
for running as legislator is also of minimum standard with no
minimum educational level required (p. 310).
While the work of the legislature is an intricate job, many are
attracted to the position due to the inherent power and perks attached to
it. Abellera also cited Valdehuesa, Jr. (2005) who contends that politicians
in the Philippines are elected not on the basis of their professional
background or intelligence, but on certain qualifications irrelevant to the
position in which they are elected. He underscores that politicians are
elected based mainly on their family name or dynasty, deep-pocketed or
wealthy, well-known or celebrity, influential or connectivity but not
education, capability, record or character. Unfortunately, the countrys
electoral culture has made such attributes merely incidentals and not
imperatives for public office. Professional politicians are prevalent; they
are those that have made politics as their main profession notwithstanding
their lack of education or skills to participate in the complex works of

18
governance. Many elected legislators even lack knowledge on
parliamentary procedures which are the governing principle in passing
legislation. This is one of the critical reasons why executive intervention in
legislative procedures is rampant, constituting to rubber-stamp approvals
and to the extent of relegating legislative procedures.
Abellera (2005) concluded that individually and collectively,
legislators must possess a wide knowledge base of their functions if they
must contribute to the intricate workings of governance. Many legislators
have a considerable lack of understanding of the essential task placed
upon their shoulder that they tend to demonstrate a lackadaisical
approach to lawmaking and oversight. Procedural and technical
competence, among others, is a major pre-requisite for effective review of
ongoing programs, analyze budgetary information and propose policies.
However, there is no system of formal, nationally established training for
legislators in the Philippines. On occasion, a legislator may secure funds
from his committee to attend conferences or short courses on legislation
but not all committees have funds that can be used for this purpose.
A book composed by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat (2010) proposes
that
oratorical skill is an added qualification for an effective

legislator. This talent helps him to give a good account of
himself to the electorate and successfully play the role
expected of him by his constituents and party. An eloquent
legislator can give a different dimension to any issue and can
19
turn the course of any debate. He can present a very common

idea in the most effective way and can successfully persuade
the House to view the issue from his angle. This is amply
proved by several instances in the history of parliamentary
institutions in our country and elsewhere. One may wonder,
whether it is possible for a legislator, however eloquent he
may be, to carry the House with him in modern parliamentary
democracies where members are expected to vote according
to party policy and party whip, irrespective of their own
personal convictions (p. 7).
Rotberg (2012) affirmed in Transformative political leadership:
Making a difference in the world that leaders even help signally to guide
their people in to or out of poverty. Leaders help to overcome geographical,
climatic, and resource limitations. Some were born to lead born with an
innate set of skills that makes us good candidates for directing a group of
people towards a goal.
Dykes and Sylvester affirmed in their book Political leadership:
What is it and how do we find it? in 2007 that politicians are usually
intelligent, very socially skilled, good communicators, highly motivated,
and able to inspire and persuade others to follow. Some of these
characteristics are innate, but all are developed and fine-tuned through
experience.
Fredrich Nietzche was cited by Curtis in 2008 in his book The great
political theories: Volume 2 that the identity of positive law and art is a
consequence of laws need for semblance that strikes the Nietzschean
legislator. Even as Nietzsche insists that the good lawgiver is the nobleman
20
who navely and confidently issues commands that he expects to be
obeyed, he recognizes as well that the imperative tone of a good
Gesetzbuch is as priestly as it is noble. Only the priest, as the mouthpiece
of God, has both the right to lie and the cunning of revelation.
The literatures are related to the main topic because they talk about
the need of a quality political leader and what qualities they may be. In
order to have a well-developed state, the people who run the government
should be of great standard because the fate of the nation is in their hands.
The abilities of one must be inclined with the functions and dangers that
come in ones work. The state will be put in great risk if the individuals
serving in the government are not capable to do their duties. Being a
government official is a vigorous work; the welfare and safety of the citizens
are under his/her support and care.
Local Studies
According to Apolinar in his thesis Perceptions of selected political
science students on the qualifications of people running for office during
national elections published in 2004, a candidate should not only possess
the willingness to run to public office and the qualifications stated in the
constitution, majority of the citizens still look for the qualifications of a
good leader and is it good enough to trust the welfare of the country. What
kind of service a prospective public servant can offer them, and what
he/she is capable of doing with his/her expertise in governance.

21
Apolinar further stated that the candidate with the better
qualification and experience has an edge against other candidates
regarding policy making. It makes them more knowledgeable on matters
of public policy and governance. The respondents believed that the
qualification of the candidate makes them worthy of the position and the
welfare of the country is in good hands when he is a good leader with good
qualifications.
Apolinar believed that the leaders who had a good education and
had a degree on anything related to public administration has the ability
or the capability to pass laws that will benefit everyone. He would have by
then the background or the experience on how to manage the national and
local affairs of the state as well as its international affairs.
According to Carlos in 1998, law-making is considered a crucial
duty and a responsibility for him who has committed himself in the
legislative body of the government.
Stated in the thesis of Nepomuceno (2001), Intelligent voters can
in good and able officials in the government to bring about good
governance. The kind of voters brings about their kind of government, as
governments reflect the sentiment of their people (p. 37). Nepomuceno
further stated a good government can only exist if there are good public
officials but good public officials are voted into office by good voters.
22
These studies are related to the researchers topic because they
tackle about the qualification of a good legislator. It is a fact that good and
qualified legislators can craft essential laws important and beneficial to
the country, and it is also important to note that good legislators can be
installed in the legislative body if the voters are mature enough to elect
leaders base on their qualifications and platform instead of their name or
their fancy campaign jingle.
Foreign Studies
Aragon cited Besley in 2008 in his study Choosing a candidate:
Party primaries and qualities of politicians that the process to select good
politicians (or to avoid selecting bad ones) is still not well understood. The
literature on political selection suggests that competitive elections,
informative media and adequate rewards from office play a part on
improving quality of politicians.
A prominent political scientist, Stone (2012), said that continued
attention on candidate differences sets the peak of politics in elections.
He expressed that the quality and ideological positioning of candidates
matter; how voters react to these factors also matters.
According to the 1989 study of Jacobson entitled Strategic
politicians and the dynamics of U.S. house elections, what voters know
and think of the particular pair of candidates running in the district has a
23
major influence on their decision; and they evaluate House candidates far
more often in terms of personal character and services than in terms of
parties, policies, or national issues. General evaluation of running
candidates may have turned to be subjective. Qualities of candidates in
terms of experience, skills and academic background are not taken into
consideration for the lack of qualifications of the law.
Igbuzor maintained the need for a qualified leader in the legislative
department in his study Leadership and the Legislature. He concluded
that the set of skills required for leadership including conceptual skills
(analysis, research and policy formulation); technical skills (project
management and administration) and social skills (people skills,
networking and public relations) are also required for legislative work. It is
therefore necessary that legislators are trained in leadership to enable
them to perform their roles.... Apart from the citizenship, political party
membership and age qualifications, persons seeking to be legislators in
Nigeria have educational requirements (at least school certificate); health
requirement (must not be a lunatic); economic requirement (not bankrupt);
ethical requirement (not indicted for embezzlement or fraud) and social
requirement (not a member of any secret cult). Finally, for legislators to
perform their duties in a highly challenged environment like Nigeria where
there is high level of corruption, monetized politics and worship of money,
legislators must be patriotic, ethical and courageous.

24
In the year 2000, Peterson assumed in his study Policy uncertainty
and attitude strength in candidate evaluations that voters separate their
views of candidates into an evaluation of the candidate's policy positions
and character traits, and the policy dimension is causally prior to the
personal. This relation, however, is mediated by how certain voters are
about the policy positions of the candidates. Specifically, the policy
positions of the candidate exert a greater influence over the perceptions of
candidate character for those who are more certain. Assessment of
political candidates should have been through the functions of the service
they will take.
Also in the year 2000, Adsera, Boix and Payne assessed in Are you
being served? Political accountability and quality of government that
politicians may be tempted to exploit the lack of information that votes
may have about policies and their consequences either to pursue their own
agenda or to appropriate part of the public budget. Thus this behaviour
may be avoided if selections are more limited and the deficient and the
passable are discarded from the credible.
In their study Political selection and the quality of government:
Evidence from South India, incentives are important, according to Besley,
Pande and Rao (2008). Personal qualities of politicians such as honesty,
integrity and competence are potentially important, especially in
environments where politicians face limited formal sanctions. Individual
characteristics of politicians and education increase the chances of

25
selection to public office and reduce the odds that a politician uses political
power opportunistically.
Other studies on the qualities of politicians have been recently
explored upon by Caselli and Morelli (2004), Messner and Polborn (2004),
and Poutvaara and Takalo (2007). Their works differ from the present
study in a way that they focused on the competence and qualities of
politicians while the present only tried to assess it in order to propose new
criteria for elections.
These foreign studies are related to the researchers topic because
they deal with the perceptions of voters on the candidates in election.
These are related because the viewpoints of voters are important to be able
to assess the sufficiency of the constitutional qualifications.

26
CHAPTER 3
Methods and Procedure
This chapter discusses the methodologies used in the present
study. The subjects and statistical treatment are described and the
procedure of gathering data is also narrated.
Methods of Research
The researchers of this study used the Survey Research Method to
find out the perception of selected SELAMS students regarding the
constitutional qualifications to become a senator with the aim to propose
additions in this regard. Survey research involves acquiring information
about one or more groups of people perhaps about their characteristics,
opinions, attitudes, or previous experiences by asking those questions
and tabulating their answers. The ultimate goal of survey is to learn about
a large population by surveying a sample of that population.
This study utilized the descriptive method of research. According to
Schwarzkopf (2008), descriptive research is derived from a broad class of
non experimental studies with the purpose of describing characteristics of
a phenomenon as it is occurring. Specifically, two types of descriptive
method direct-data survey were included in this study. These were
questionnaire survey and interviews. Interviews with professors of social
and political science in the university were conducted to provide an initial

27
insight in order to complete the survey. Descriptive research was the best
choice to understand the perception of SELAMS students regarding the
qualifications to become a legislator and also propose additional criteria
for development.
Respondents of the Study
This study involved students of the School of Education - Liberal
Arts Music - Social Work of Centro Escolar University. These students
were taking or have taken the subjects of History of the Philippines and
the Constitution and other Social Science subjects. The researchers
therefore concluded that SELAMS students were the best subjects for this
area for they were more inclined and knowledgeable about the constitution
of this country and other political and social aspects involved.
In the questionnaire survey, the study involved fifty (50)
respondents from the School of ELAMS in Centro Escolar University,
Manila and three respondents for the questionnaire interview who were
also from the same school.
For the respondents of the questionnaire survey, forty-six percent
(46%) was Mass communication students, sixteen percent (16%) Political
Science students, sixteen percent (16%) Education students and twenty-
two percent (22%) was Social Work students. Regarding the year level of
the respondents, thirty-six percent (36%) was first year, six percent (6%)
was second year, eight percent (8%) was third year and fifty percent (50%)
28
was fourth year students. In the case of gender, twenty-six percent (26%)
of the respondents were male and seventy-four percent (74%) was female.
Thirty-eight percent (38%) of the respondents were aged 15 to 17 years
old. Fifty-two percent (52%) was 18 to 29 years old and ten percent (10%)
was 21 to 23 years old.
Sampling Technique
The sampling technique involved was the Purposive Sampling
Technique.
According to Victor Jupp (2006), purposive sampling is a form of
non-probability sampling in which decisions concerning the individuals to
be included in the sample are taken by the researcher, based upon a
variety of criteria which may include specialist knowledge of the research
issue, or capacity and willingness to participate in the research.
According to Lewis and Shepard (2007), the purposive sampling
technique, also called judgment sampling, is the deliberate choice of an
informant due to the qualities an informant possesses. It is a non-random
technique that does not need underlying or a set number of informants.
The respondents were chosen through the following criteria:
1. Must be a bonafide student of Centro Escolar University
2. Must be taking up Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science,
Social work, Education and Mass Communications

29
3. Must be a first year to fourth year student
Data Gathering Instrument
Interview
In order to acquire the necessary data regarding the additional
qualifications for a senator which is a designated section of the
questionnaire, the researchers conducted a short interview with three
selected professors of Centro Escolar University. The three respondents
were selected based on their knowledge and expertise on Social and
Political Science. The respondents were assured of the confidentiality of
their identity and the information that they did not wish to disclose.
Questionnaire
The researchers used the questionnaire in order to answer the aims
of the research.
According to Aguinaldo (2000), questionnaire is a set of written
questions about a certain topic, prepared and distributed for the purpose
of securing responses from a greater number of people spread in wide
geographical areas.
The four-page questionnaire was composed of three parts:
Part I included the necessary information for the respondents
profile, such as age, gender, course and year level of the respondents.
30
Part II was intended to know the perception of the respondents
regarding the existing constitutional qualifications to become a senator.
The researchers made use of a table and a scale to indicate the standpoint
of the respondents.
Part III refers to the proposed additional criteria proposed by the
experts based on the interview conducted to be validated by the
respondents.
The interpretation of the data gathered from the respondents was
formed with the aid of the following scale:
For problem II the following ranges were used.
Mean Ranges Verbal Interpretation
5 4.5 5.0 Strongly Agree
4 3.5 4.49 Somewhat Agree
3 2.5 3.49 Indifferent
2 1.5 2.49 Disagree
1 1.0 1.49 Strongly Disagree
Validation of the Questionnaire
Pre-testing is a process of measuring the validity of and reliability of
the questionnaire. Validation of the questionnaire is important to figure
out which is less important in the study and for the improvement of some
items in the questionnaire.

31
The researchers distributed the questionnaires to 10 respondents to
validate the questionnaire. After the validation, the questionnaire was
presented to the thesis adviser for approval.
Data Gathering Procedure
The data for this research were collected through a survey
questionnaire. The survey was formulated through an interview with
experienced individuals who were purposely selected for their expertise in
the socio-political and legal phenomena and issues.
The survey was composed of 9 major questions in which the first
part inquired the assessment of the respondents on the current
constitutional qualifications to become a senator. The second part
included the results of the interview conducted by the researchers about
the additional qualifications to the existing constitutional criteria. The
questionnaire was then disseminated to the 50 subjects. The researchers
assured confidentiality of the survey results and gave the interviewees the
option of anonymity.
Statistical Treatment of Data
The researchers made use of statistical formulas in order to give
reliable presentation and interpretation to the data gathered, tallied and
tabulated.
32
For problem II:
Percentage was applied to determine the profile of the respondents
by dividing the number of responses to the number of respondents
multiplied by 100.
Formula:
n
P = -------------------- X 100
Where:
n = number of respondents
N = Total number of respondents
For problems I and IV:
Weighted Mean. It was used to determine the typicality of the
respondents chosen from a set of options. It was solved using the following
formula:
Standard Deviation. It is the square root of the mean of the squared
deviations from the mean of the distribution. A measure of variability
which reflects the typical variation of the mean.
X =
--------
N
33
Where: x = mean
= sum of the frequency of each response multiplied by
the respective scale mark.
The formula is as follows:
( ) 2
Where:
S = standard deviation of a sample
X = sample values
-
X = sample mean
N = total number of values in the sample

34
CHAPTER 4
Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data
This chapter is concerned with the presentation, analysis and
interpretation of data gathered from the respondents through
questionnaire.
1. Respondents Perception of the Current Constitutional

Qualifications To Become a Senator In Terms of:
1.1 Compliance
Table 1 presents the perception of the respondents on the existing
constitutional qualifications to become a senator based on its attainability.
Table 1
Respondents Perception on the Existing Constitutional

Qualifications to become a Senator Based on its Compliance
COMPLIANCE
Qualifications to become a Mean SD Verbal
Senator Interpretation
1. Natural-born citizen of the 4.6 4.408942675 Strongly Agree

Philippines
2. Able to read and write 4.6 4.451324041 Strongly Agree
3. At least 35 years old at the 3.8 3.737564415 Somewhat

time of election Agree
4. A registered voter 3.5 2.549081633 Somewhat
Agree
5. A resident of 2.2 1.764183673 Disagree
the Philippines for not less
than two years immediately
preceding the day of the
election
35
The qualification that a senatorial candidate must be a natural-born
citizen on the Philippines, had a weighted mean of 4.8. The respondents
strongly agreed that it was easy to comply with. The respondents
perceived such requirement to be highly attainable because to become a
natural-born citizen of the Philippines, one needs only to be a biological
daughter or son of a Filipino citizen. In order to answer to the aging
problems of the country, a law-maker must be one with the people, in the
sense that he or she feels a blood or inherited relationship with the one he
or she serves. Being a natural-born citizen also shows that the individual
showed loyalty to the Filipino community by not acquiring or not
performing any act to change their own citizenship.
The constitutional qualification that a senatorial candidate must be
able to read and write, had a weighted mean of 4.9. The respondents
strongly agreed that it was easy to comply with. With the high literacy
rate of the Philippines compared to other third world countries, the
perception of the respondents agreed with the fact that it is highly
attainable for a candidate who wants to run for a senatorial seat. Being a
senator requires the capability to read legal documents, understand them,
and also to write digests and appeals for better law-making.
Another qualification to become a senator is that a candidate must
be at least 35 years old at the time of the election. It got a weighted mean
of 3.3 and the respondents showed indifference. The indifference of the

36
respondents to this qualification reflects the general sentiment of the
empowered youth. The respondents belong to the millennial generation.
This generation is often called the digital natives because of their advanced
knowledge on the use of computer and social media. Social networking
sites allowed the steady flow of liberal ideas and constant criticism on the
status quo that is governed by the Baby Boomers and the Generation X.
The respondents viewed the qualification as an impediment to the flow of
fresh ideas to the Upper house that is usually dominated by the
conservatives.
With a weighted average of 4.5, the respondents strongly agreed on
the compliance of the qualification that a candidate must be a registered
voter. The respondents strongly agreed to this qualification, for voters are
the only ones allowed to participate during elections. Furthermore, the
citizens perceive voting as a natural duty that must be accomplished by
every Filipino adult as a part of voicing out their rights and aspirations by
putting in place candidates whose platforms best suit the current
condition of the country.
As regards to the qualification that a senator must be a resident of
the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day
of the election, it got a weighted mean of 4.5 and the respondents strongly
agreed that it was easy to comply with. For the respondents, two years of
residence in the Philippines is attainable because it allows the prospective

37
senator to experience and indulge him/herself in the complexity of the
needs of the Filipinos. It will allow a prospective candidate to examine the
issues that hound the society and the length of residence will allow him to
contemplate and offer solutions for him/her to formulate a substantive
platform to answer the needs of the people.
1.2 Fair
As regards fairness, Table 2 presents the perception of the
respondents on the existing constitutional qualifications to become a
senator.
Table 2

Qualifications to become a Senator Based on its Fairness
FAIRNESS
Qualifications to Mean SD Verbal
become a Senator Interpretation

Philippines
2.Able to read and write 4.5 4.372688894 Strongly Agree
3.At least 35 years old at the 3.9 3.807886553 Somewhat Agree

time of election
4.A registered voter 4.4 4.336132011 Somewhat Agree
5. A resident of 4.0 3.940630841 Somewhat Agree

the Philippines for not less
election
38
The qualification that a senatorial candidate must be a natural-
born citizen on the Philippines, got weighted mean of 4.7 and the
respondents strongly agreed that it was fair. The qualification was also
rated as easy to comply with because the country follows citizenship by
the blood (Jus Sanguinis principle). It means that the children who have
Filipino mother or father also acquire the citizenship of their parents, so
the respondents strongly agreed to the requirement that a prospective
candidate must be a natural born citizen of the Philippines.
With a weighted mean of 4.5, the respondents strongly agreed in
the qualification that a senatorial candidate must be able to read and
write. The respondents were in their peak of their educational years and
this factor allowed them to be more knowledgeable in many fields and they
expected more from their senators. To ensure the sustain economic
growth, they were expecting legislators who are intelligent enough to craft
laws that can provide a long term plan and solution to the current
problems the country is facing right now.
On the qualification that a senator must be at least 35 years old at
the time of election, the respondents answered somewhat agreed
(weighted mean of 3.9) that was was fair. The respondents viewed the age
of 35 years old as an adequate age for an individual to finish his/her
studies, pursue his/her career and gather enough experience to guide him
in his/her legislative work.

39
With a weighted mean of 4.4 the respondents somewhat agreed on
the qualification that a prospective candidate must be a registered voter
was fair. The respondents viewed voting as a responsibility of an adult
Filipino citizen. If the electorate must be a registered voter to exercise their
right to suffrage, what more for the people that will be placed in the upper
chamber of the legislative branch of the country.
In the qualification that a prospective senator must be a resident of
the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day
of the election, the respondents somewhat agreed (weighted mean of 4.0).
The subjects viewed the qualification as an essential pre-requisite to allow
them to see what is happening in the Philippine setting and what the
problem on the ground is. The qualification is also not that hard to comply
to, most especially if the prospective senator is a natural born senator.
1.3 Timely
On timeliness, Table 3 presents the perception of the respondents
on the existing constitutional qualification to become a senator.
With a weighted mean of 4.6, the respondents strongly agreed that
the qualification that a prospective senator must be natural-born citizen
of the Philippines is timely. The subjects viewed this as timely, seeing that
the country is currently facing multiple problems when it comes to foreign
affairs. The subjects viewed the qualification as an essential proof that a

40
senator will craft laws that will benefit the country and will put first the
interest of the Filipino people before anything else.
Table 3

Qualifications to become a Senator Based on its Timeliness
TIMELINESS

Philippines
3. At least 35 years old at the time of 4.1 3.996172 Somewhat Agree

election
4. A registered voter 4.5 4.400603 Strongly Agree
5. A resident of the Philippines for 4.1 3.97877 Somewhat Agree

not less than two years
immediately preceding the day of
the election
On the qualification that a prospective senator must be able to read
and write, the respondents strongly agreed (weighted mean of 4.5) that
the requirement is timely. They viewed this qualification as an important
pre-requisite since the countrys number of middle class citizens who can
afford better education is increasing and as the taste of the people changes
41
and improves through education and rising economy, their expectations
about their leaders also improve. They expect their leaders as intelligent
individuals who can pass laws that will have a good long term effect to the
country. The ability to read and write is an indication that a person
attained education.
With a weighted mean of 4.1, the respondents somewhat agreed
that a prospective senator must at least be 35 years old at the time of
election is timely. The subjects were torn between the idea of having a
young senator who can offer fresh ideas and new perspectives in tackling
problems and an old senator who is well versed in politics and well
experienced in finding solutions in the status quo. They somewhat agree
as the country enjoys a surge of younger population who wished to be
heard and represented in the legislative chamber.
The subjects strongly agreed, with a weighted mean of 4.5, that a
prospective senator must be a registered voter requirement is timely. They
viewed this as an exercise of right of an individual Filipino who must cast
his/her vote every six years to elect his/her leaders. This is an indication
that the respondents viewed voting as an act of a responsible Filipino, and
their leaders must also answer to that obligation.
On the qualification that a prospective senator must be a resident
of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the
day of the election, with a weighted mean of 4.1, the respondents strongly
42
agreed that a prospective senator should at least live in the Philippines for
two years to allow them to immerse to the people and for the people to
familiarize about the candidate to allow them to know him/her better.
1.4 Relevant
For its relevance, Table 4 presents the perception of the respondents
on the existing constitutional qualifications to become a senator.
Table 4

Qualifications to become a Senator Based on its Relevance
RELEVANCE

Philippines
3. At least 35 years old at the 4.0 3.952008 Strongly Agree

time of election
4. A registered voter 4.4 4.276418 Somewhat
Agree
5. A resident of 4.1 4.016547 Somewhat
the Philippines for not less Agree
election
43
The respondents strongly agreed, with a mean of 4.6, that the
qualification that a prospective senator should be a natural born citizen of
the Philippines is relevant. The figures show that although Philippines is
on the forefront of globalization with millions of Filipinos living abroad and
an increase of influx of foreigners in the country, the respondents still view
that a natural born citizen should only be the one who should be in the
senate. This reflects a nationalistic side of the respondents. This is a sign
that in the contemporary period Filipinos are engaging in a globalized
world while at the same time trying to keep things that are for Filipinos.
The conservative aspect shown in the date concludes that the respondents
are still protective of their bureaucratic and political structure.
The data shown in table 4 concluded that the respondents strongly
agreed, with a weighted mean of 4.5, on the requirement that a prospective
senator should be able to read and write as relevant. It shows that Filipinos
view the ability to read and write as essential skills for an adult citizen of
a country that has almost has 98% literacy rate based on U.N. standards.
The respondents answer reflects a general sentiment that a senator
should be a model for every Filipino and because of that they wished for a
senator who is highly educated and the ability to read and write is a
minimum manifestation of that.
With a weighted mean of 4.0, the respondents strongly agreed that
the qualification that a prospective senator should at least 35 years old at

44
the time of election is relevant. The respondents ages range from 18-21
years old college students and most of them are still reminiscent of their
lessons from Psychology and Sociology. In Psychology people reached the
peak of their mental acuity at age 20, while people fully achieved their
emotional maturity at age 35-40 years old. The ability of a human to act
as a fully grown adult is one of the reason why this qualification is present.
The nation cannot afford to have a leader who bases his/her actions from
his/her whims because solutions require a logical and analytical approach
to solving problems.
The table 4 showed to us that the respondents, with a weighted
mean of 4.4, somewhat agreed to the requirement that a prospective
senator should be a registered voter is relevant. Voting is viewed as a rite
of passage for Filipinos and a citizen who casts his/her vote is viewed as
a politically aware citizen who partakes in activities that will shape the
political aspect of the country for the next six years. Candidates who do
not vote are seen as irresponsible Filipinos who fail to comply with their
responsibility as Filipinos.
The data shown in table 4 shows that the respondents, with a
weighted mean of 4.1, somewhat agreed that a prospective senator should
be a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately
preceding the day of the election is relevant. The respondents answer
showed that it is not enough that a senator is a natural born citizen, it is

45
also important that he/she immerses himself with the Filipino people and
shares with them their daily struggles and experience.
2. Perception of the Respondents on the Possible Additional

Qualifications to Improve the Qualifications of Senatorial
Candidates
2.1 Academics
Table 5 presents the perception of the respondents to improve the
qualifications of senators in terms of academics.
Table 5
Respondents Perception on the Possible Additions to Improve

the Qualifications of Senators in Terms of Academics
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS Mean SD Verbal

Interpretation
4.6 4.423730073 Strongly Agree
College degree holder
Civil service exam passer 3.3 2.318061224 Indifferent
Table 5 shows to us that the respondents, with a weighted mean of
4.6, strongly agreed to the proposed additional qualification that a
prospective senator should be a college degree holder. College is a place
where specialized learning is taught to an individual and makes sure that

46
a student knows a little on every academic subject essential to daily life.
Entering college and having a degree does not automatically make a person
smart, but it reflects the persons strong character, resourcefulness and
willingness to spend years of his/her life for the pursuit of knowledge.
College is a good training ground for future leaders as well; students get
to interact with other students from different walks of life thus it opens a
chance for students to gain knowledge and wisdom through interaction
and communication. Through this process personal biases, prejudice and
partisanship are eliminated as the students immerse themselves to
different people from different races, social status, gender and religion.
College is also a place for different student organizations in which a
student can become a member and an officer while at the same time college
organizations are an aid for further learning as knowledge that is learned
in the four walls of a classroom is put into action through organizing
activities that will cater to its members. And lastly college is a place where
learning is amplified through constant research and study which aim to
contribute to the betterment of the status of humanity a whole.
With a weighted mean of 3.3, the respondents were indifferent on
the proposed additional qualification that a prospective senator must be a
civil service exam passer. The respondents were indifferent because they
perceived exams not as a measurement of intelligence and mental acuity
but a measurement on how good an individual is at memorizing things
and how good he/she at answering examinations. Science concludes that

47
not all humans are fit for taking standardized examinations. Recent
cognitive research by Howard Gardner concludes that there are many ways
in which humans possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn,
remember, perform, and understand in different ways. Therefore, a civil
service examination is not an indication of a persons leadership skills and
political talent which are essential in crafting laws.
2.2 Integrity
qualifications of senators in terms of integrity.
Table 6

the Qualifications of Senators in Terms of Integrity
INTEGRITY Mean SD Verbal

Interpretation
Does not have any criminal or 3.6 2.278061224 Somewhat
civil violation record Agree
Did not commit any political 4 2.456020408 Somewhat
crime (e.g. treason or coup d Agree
etat)
The data on table 6 show to us that the respondents, with a weighted
mean of 3.6, somewhat agreed on the proposed additional qualifications

48
in becoming a senator in the Philippines; that prospective senator should
not have any criminal or civil violation record. The senate is the upper
chamber of the countrys legislative branch. Its duty is to craft laws that
are in line with the constitution. A senator who crafts laws but he/she
himself/herself committed a criminal or civil violation lacks the credibility
and the legitimacy as he him/herself broke the law. On the other hand one
must also take note that the countrys judicial system is not known to be
flawless and of speedy trial, and therefore one must leave an open mind
that sometimes individuals are wrongly convicted of the crimes they didnt
commit due to the loopholes in the system.
The respondents, with a weighted mean of 4, somewhat agree on
the proposed qualifications on becoming a senator in the Philippines that
a prospective senator must not have committed any political crime (e.g.
treason or coup d etat). According to the Lectlaw dictionary, Political crime
refers to crimes committed or acts omitted that injure or are perceived as
injuring the state, the state's government, or the political system. It is the
attempt of the citizen to injure the state, at least in the state's eyes. Coup
d etat and rebellion are a crime because in a country like the Philippines,
which enjoys a democratic form of government, peoples grievances and
concerns can be heard through legal means. If the people want to impeach
a president they can always file a case against him/her and have an
impeachment trial. If an LGU official is corrupt or incompetent the citizens
can always seek the help of the COMELEC or the Office of the Ombudsman
49
to impeach the local official, or if the people are against a certain policy of
the government, rallies and pickets are rights protected by the law in the
country as of the case of EDSA I & II. On the other side of the coin, political
crimes are politically motivated acts that sometimes are necessarily be
done in order to end a dictatorship or a foreign occupation who refuses to
step down in power or refuses to let go of an occupied state. The Filipino
people must not forget that the very existence of the Republic of the
Philippines stems from the bravery of the freedom loving Filipinos who
sacrificed their future and their life to free the country from the yoke of
foreign invaders. Most of the worlds countries today got their
independence/change of government through a revolution or a coup d
etat, as with the case of USA, South Sudan, Mexico etc (These countries
revolted to oust foreigners who occupy their country) and the Arab Spring,
a phenomenon of wave of protest that brought down many Arab dictators
and forced them to adopt a democratic form of government.
2.3 Experience
qualifications of senators in terms of experience.

50
Table 7

the Qualifications of Senators in Terms of Experience
EXPERIENCE Mean SD Verbal

Interpretation
Attended seminars relating to 4.5 4.314428 Strongly Agree
public policy making and
management
At least five years experience in 4.3 4.168149 Somewhat
administrative office in LGUs Agree
Became a member/officer of an 4.2 4.069047 Somewhat
NGO Agree
On Table 7, the respondents, with a weighted mean of 4.5, strongly
agree on the proposed additional requirement to become a senator in the
Philippines that a prospective senator should have attended seminars
relating to public policy making and management. The respondents viewed
this as measurement of strength and willingness of an individual to
continuously learn to serve the Filipino people better.
Learning does not end on the four walls of a school, learning is a
life-long process and the Philippines will always have a new problem in
every administration, so just like a system update in a computer that
allows it to enhance its capacity to combat viruses, senators must do the
same as they are the legislators who will craft laws that will affect the daily
life of the citizens. Attending seminars and conventions will also increase
synergy among leaders and it will allow them to have more connections
51
with local community leaders. Conventions are great venue for exchange
of ideas and criticism, they are best ways to hear the grievances and
suggestions of the citizen that will allow a prospective candidate to fine
tune his/her platform.
With a weighted mean of 4.3, the respondents somewhat agreed on
the proposed additional requirement to become a senator in the
Philippines that a prospective senator should at least have five year
experience in administrative office in LGUs. The respondents knew that
the Local Government Unit is the primary recipient of the laws and policies
that the national government will enact. The LGU is the one that enforces
it and by looking at how it functions one can see if a country is progressing
or not. It is the best place to train senators as it will give them firsthand
how things work from below and what is needed to be improved. This
bottom-up approach recognizes the great challenge local government
leaders face. By being part of an LGU it will allow prospective senators to
be informed what happens beneath the national government thus allowing
them to create laws that will make thing better for the citizens.
The respondents, with a weighted mean of 4.2, somewhat agreed
on the proposed qualifications to become a senator in the Philippines that
a prospective senator should have become a member/officer of an NGO.
The data reflect how the respondents viewed the NGOs and their role in
building the Philippines. In politics in order for a politician to be a
successful statesman he must have a platform to focus on. NGOs are

52
organizations that are created in helping and providing aid to the citizen.
It has advocacies and altruistic agendas that open the eye of a prospective
senator on issues that are usually overlooked by the national government.
Empathy and charity are the central focus of the NGO and becoming a
member or an officer of one allows an individual to connect with people
who are at the grassroots of the society.
2.4 Economic Status
qualifications of senators in terms of economic status.
Table 8
Respondents Perception on the Possible Additions to Improve the

Qualifications of Senators in Terms of Economic Status
ECONOMIC STATUS Mean SD Verbal

Interpretation
Is capable of funding his/ her 4.2 4.076063 Somewhat
own nation-wide election Agree
campaign
On the Table 8, with a weighted mean of 3.5, the respondents
somewhat agreed on the proposed additional qualifications to become a
senator in the Philippines that a prospective senator should have a

53
minimum annual income of at least P500, 000 per year. This qualification
is an economic requirement that tries to lessen the job of the COMELEC
in determining who the nuisance candidates are during filing of certificate
of candidacy. An annual income of P500, 000 is an income of middle class
Filipino families and it maybe a minimum income that will allow an
individual to campaign in limited parts of the country.
On Table 8, with a weighted mean of 4.2, the respondents
somewhat agreed on the proposed additional qualification to become a
senator in the Philippines that a prospective senator should be capable of
funding his/ her own nation-wide election campaign. The respondents
somewhat agreed as it maybe a minimum salary that will enable them to
minimally campaign nationwide on their own. This proposed additional
qualification is a safety net that lessens the probability of a candidate
heavily relying on sponsors who might ask them special favors if the
candidate won the election. This qualification also aims to protect Filipinos
from their very own culture of Utang na loob or too much indebtedness
that a person is obliged to pay back the generosity or the kindness that
one has given him/her and sometimes in can be abused that a person is
forced to commit discrepancies or illegalities just to pay back his/her
indebtedness.
54
2.5 Health
qualifications of senators in terms of health.
The physical and mental condition of a senator will greatly affect on
how citizens will act to a certain issues. A strong and mentally fit public
official is one that might be sure of finishing his/her term without
extensive stay in the hospital during his/her term. Lastly, based from the
past experiences. Filipinos prefer a healthy official who is ready to face if
trial he/she commits a crime and is much more capable of staying in a
prison than of a hospital arrest to be held accountable to the crime he/she
committed.
Table 9
Respondents Perception on the Possible Additions to Improve the

Qualifications of Senators in Terms of Health
EXPERIENCE Mean SD Verbal

Interpretation
Physically and mentally fit 4.6 4.393177 Strongly Agree
Passed a psychological test 4.6 4.461399 Strongly Agree

55
On Table 9, with a weighted mean of 4.6, the respondents strongly
agreed on the proposed additional qualification to become a senator in the
Philippines that a prospective senator should be physically and mentally
fit. Crafting laws for the Philippines is a tough job and it requires so much
from the person that he/she must be strong enough to fulfill his/her
duties. Senators are one of the public officials whom the Filipinos look up
to and come to when a problem arises. The physical and mental condition
of a senator will greatly affect on how the citizens will act to a certain
issues. A strong and mentally fit public official is one that might be sure
of finishing his/her term without extensive stay in the hospital during
his/her term. Lastly, based from the past experience Filipinos prefer a
healthy official because just in case he/she is much more ready to face
trial if he/she committed a crime and is much more capable of staying in
a prison than of a hospital arrest to be held accountable to the sins he/she
committed.
With a weighted mean of 4.6, the respondents somewhat agree on
the proposed additional qualification to become a senator in the
Philippines that a prospective senator should have passed a psychological
test. The respondents view public office as a job that requires a lot from a
person. It will sometimes push him to his limits as he or she will face the
scrutiny of the entire Filipino nation. A psychologically fit and emotionally
stable politician is a person who is expected to make logical and analytical
decision based on careful planning and not based on rushed judgments

56
and whims. The ability to discern and dissect a problem is a skill that is
partnered by intellect and emotion. To ensure that a problem is carefully
analyzed a person must be psychologically fit and emotionally healthy to
ensure that he will not make fool around his/her job. Politicians are also
the states quasi ambassadors and diplomat during foreign trips and a
sound politician will reflect a countrys stability and security. If the Filipino
people elect a mentally deranged individual what would that project to the
international community? It will present the Filipinos in bad light and
might make the country less of a partner and more of a burden to its allies.
57
CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter comprises the summary of the findings obtained from
the survey. It also includes the conclusion and recommendations
formulated by the researchers based on the gathered data.
Summary of Findings
Based on the survey conducted, the following were gathered as
answers to the questions provided in the statement of the problem.
1. Perception of the Respondents on the Existing Constitutional

Qualifications to Become a Senator Based on Selected Criteria
The data revealed that the respondents from the students of School
of Education Liberal Arts, Music and Social Work viewed the current
constitutional qualifications as easy to comply with, fair, practical and
relevant. The only qualifications that showed minimal approval were the
following: candidate must be at least 35 years old at the time of election
and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately
preceding the day of the election.
2. Perception of the Respondents on the Proposed Qualifications

to Improve the Qualifications of Senatorial Candidates
The data showed that the respondents approved of the proposed
qualifications based on their academic qualification, integrity, experience,
economic status and health. The only proposed qualifications the

58
respondents rejected is the qualification that a prospective senator should
be a civil service exam passer.
3. Improvements Proposed In the Selection of Senators
The findings revealed that the respondents are for the improvement
of the qualifications in choosing a senator in the country. Their answers
show that the current qualifications are essential, but not enough to
ensure that the country will have quality legislators in the upper chamber.
The respondents answer showed that they are for the inclusion of the
proposed qualifications in the field of academic qualification, integrity,
experience, economic status and health qualifications with the exclusion
of the propose qualification that a prospective senator must be a civil
service exam passer.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the researcher came up with the following
conclusions:
1. The improved additional qualifications were the expectation of the
respondents.
2. The respondents have a high standard on choosing law makers
and are vastly aware of issues regarding the legislative branch.
3. Improving the current constitutional qualifications will act as a
safety net in improving the peoples pool of choices in voting for
candidates, instead of choosing based on popularity, name recall, and
political dynasty.
59
Recommendations
Based on the conclusion, the researchers would like to suggest the
following:
1. In case of a constitutional revision, especially on Article VI,
Section 3, the researchers recommend the inclusion of the proposed
qualifications to enhance the current constitutional requisites to become
a senator in the Philippines. A proposed draft of the bill (appendix A) for
the amended qualifications of senators is recommended to be reviewed by
the legislature.
2. Political science must be included in general education subjects
especially in the K12 Curriculum of Centro Escolar University.
3. Voters education seminars must be implemented to teach the
electorate issues regarding politics and elections especially on political
dynasties and on how to choose candidates based on merit and not on
popularity.
60
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65
Appendix A
School of Education, Liberal Arts, Music and Social Works
Mendiola, Manila
August 19, 2015
Dear Respondent/s:
We, the researchers, are conducting a research entitled A Review of
the Constitutional Requirements for a Senator: Basis for the Proposed
Additional Requirements To Improve the Standards of Legislators in the
senate. The completion of this study is a partial fulfilment of the
requirement for the course Bachelor of Arts, Major in Political Science.
May we request you to accomplish the attached questionnaire. Any
information provided will be treated confidentially.
Thank you.
Respectfully yours,
Ballesteros, Theo Miguel A.
Carlos, Jesimiel G.
Approved by:
Dr. Juliana Laraya
Thesis Adviser
66
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: (optional) __________________________
Direction: Please provide the necessary information.
I. Profile of the Respondent
1. Age: _______
2. Gender: _______ MALE _______FEMALE
3. Year:
_______1st year _______2nd year ______3rd year _____4th

year
4. Course: ____________________
II. Perception of the respondents regarding the existing constitutional
requirements to become a legislator.
Direction: Below are the constitutional requirements to become a
senator in the Philippines. Rate the requirement based on the criteria by
encircling the number of choice in accordance with the following scale:
5 Strongly Agree
4 Somewhat Agree
3 Indifferent
2 Disagree
1 Strongly Disagree
67
1. Attainability of a prospective candidate to comply with the

requirement.
Natural-born citizen of the Philippines 1 2 3 4 5
Able to read and write 1 2 3 4 5
At least 35 years old at the time of election 1 2 3 4 5
A registered voter 1 2 3 4 5
A resident of the Philippines for not 1 2 3 4 5
less than two years immediately preceding
the day of the election

2. Fairness to the prospective senatorial candidates
3. Timeliness of the requirement to the modern times

68
4. Relevance of the requirement to assure equitable and good

law-making
III. The possible additions to improve the qualifications of senators based
on the interview conducted by the researchers.
Direction: Kindly read the following statement below. Put a check on to
the number that corresponds to your answer.
5 Strongly Agree
4 Somewhat Agree
3 Indifferent
2 Disagree
1 Strongly Disagree
69
I. Academic 1 2 3 4 5
Qualifications
Possesses a formal
baccalaureate degree from a
recognized institution by
CHED.
Civil service exam passer
Knowledgeable in
Parliamentary Procedures
II. Morality 1 2 3 4 5
Must not have been convicted
by final judgment of an offence
or crime involving moral
turpitude
Did not commit any political
crime (e.g. treason or coup d
etat)
No pending case and did not
commit actions that are
harmful to the state
III. Experience 1 2 3 4 5
Attended seminars relating to
public policy making and
management
Has at least five years
experience in administrative
office in LGUs
Became a member/officer of an
NGO
IV. Economic status 1 2 3 4 5
Has a minimum annual income
of at least P500, 000 per year
Is capable of funding his/ her
own nation-wide election
campaign
V. Health 1 2 3 4 5
Age limit of 60 years old
Physically and mentally fit
Passed a psychological test
70
Appendix B
Thesis Interview
July 28, 2015
Dear Respondent/s:
We, the researchers, are conducting a research entitled A Review of the
Constitutional Requirements for Senator: Basis for the proposed
additional requirements to improve the standards of legislators in the
senate. The completion of this study is a fulfillment of the requirement for
our subject Undergraduate Research.
May we request you to answer the following questions. Any information
provided will be treated confidentially.
The following are the existing constitutional requirements to become a
senator in the Philippines:
According to Artivle IV, Section 2, of the Constitution,
natural-born citizens are those who are citizens of the Philippines
from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect
their Philippine citizenship. Those who elect the Philippine
citizenship in accordance with paragraph (3), Section 1 hereof shall
be deemed natural-born citizens.

71
According to the following categories, please state what additional
requirements you may propose in addition to the existing requirements.
1st Respondent
I. Academic Experience
College degree holder

Knowledgeable in Parliamentary Procedures
II. Morality
Did not commit any political crime

No pending case and did not commit actions that are harmful to the
state
III. Experience
Attended seminars relating to public policy making and
management
Became a member/officer of an NGO
LGU background
IV. Economic Status
Is capable of funding his/ her own nation-wide election campaign
V. Health
N/A
2nd Respondent
Civil service passer

Bachelors Degree
II. Morality
Does not have any criminal or civil violation record

Did not commit any crime
III. Experience
At least five years experience in administrative office in LGUs
IV. Economic Status
A minimum annual income of at least P500, 000 per year
V. Health
Age limit of 60 years old
Physically and mentally fit
72
Passed a psychological test
3rd Respondent
Should at least finished 4 years of college

Knowledge on Parliamentary procedures is an advantage
Post graduate studies is an advantage
II. Morality
N/A
VI. Experience
Must have worked as a member of LGU and NGO
Must have at least 3 years of experience in LGU as a public
official
VII. Economic Status
N/A
VIII. Health
Must be mentally fit
Total Individuals = 3
Interview Conducted: Centro Escolar University

73
Appendix C
FOURTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
SENATE
Introduced by Theo Miguel A. Ballestros & Jesimiel G. Carlos
________________________________________________________________________
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In order for change to be undertaken, a constitution revision of the

Article V, Section III of the 1987 Constitution must be made. An added
qualification is needed to ensure the Filipino nation, that the senators
who take office in the senate are those who are qualified according to the
improved qualifications. These added qualifications will be the safety net
of the country from incompetent and corrupt senators from taking office.
In this score this bill will sought to add qualification specifically on the
field of academic qualification, integrity, experience economic capability
and health. It is proposed that these added qualifications will usher in
the culture of meritocracy in our government to eliminate popular
politics, seniority and name recall in the bureaucracy.
Hence, the consideration of this proposal is greatly sought.
THEO MIGUEL A. BALLESTEROS
JESIMIEL G. CARLOS
74
FOURTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
SENATE
Introduced by Theo Miguel A. Ballestros & Jesimiel G. Carlos
________________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
PROPOSING ON THE REVISION OF ARTICLE IV, SECTION 3 OF THE

1987 CONSTITUTION
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the

Philippines in Congress Assembled:
SECTION 1: Short title. this act shall be known as the Revision of

Article IV, Section 3 Regarding the Qualifications to become a Senator in
the Philippines.
SECTION 2: Coverage. This bill will add qualifications for an individual

to become a senator in the filed of:
a) Academic Qualification A senator should be a college degree

holder.
b) Integrity Does not have any criminal or civil violation record and
did not commit any political crime (e.g. treason or coup d etat)
c) Experience Must have attended seminars relating to public policy
making and management, became a member/officer of an NGO
and at least five years experience in administrative office in LGUs.
d) Economic Capability Should be capable of funding his/her own
nation-wide campaign.
e) Health Physically and mentally fit and should have passed a
psychological test.
SECTION 3. Separability Clause. If any provision or part hereof is held

invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not
otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
75
SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. All other laws, decrees, orders,

issuances, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.
SECTION 5. Effectively. This act shall take effect thirty (30) days after
its 23 publication in the Official Gazette.
76
ACHIEVEMENTS
Salutatorian, Academy of God's Children, 2008 Jesimiel G. Carlos
Patimpalak sa Pagsasalaysay/ 2011/ St. Nicholas
School
Editor-in-Chief, Academy of God's Children, 2011-
2012
History Quiz Bee, Academy of God's Children,
PERSONAL INFORMATION
2012
Valedictorian, Academy of God's Children, 2012 Birthdate : December 25, 1994
Dean's Lister, Centro Escolar University, 2012-
2015 Civil Status : Single
President's Lister, Academy of Gods's Children,
Nationality : Filipino
2012-2014
Best in English, Science and Filipino S.Y. 2011- Address: #6 F. Manalo st., Nangka,
2012 / Academy of God's
Children Marikina city, 1808
University Academic Scholarship / Centro
Escolar University / 2012-2016
CONTACT INFORMATION
CERTIFICATIONS Mobile : 09491514711
2015
International Essay Contest for Young
People / Certificate of Participation / Email : jesimielc@gmail.com
UNESCO 70th Anniversary
Jesimiel.Carlos.jobs180.com
2015
La Salle Model United Nations
EDUCATION
Delegate
2011 2016 April

Certificate of Appreciation Centro Escolar University-
Manila
Major: A.B. Major in Political
Science
SEMINARS
2015 Seminar on Asian and British
Parliamentary Debate Format 2012 March
2015 Debate Seminar on Asian Parliamentary
Format Academy of Gods Children
2014 Mendiola Consortium's Lecture Forum:
DANGAL, KATAPATAN, AT KABUUAN ng Twinville, Marikina City
Pagkatao (Historical-Anthropol
2014 Governing Through DAP: Potentials and
Perils. University of the Philippines, Diliman
2014 Crime Prevention, A Key Towards Social 2008 March
Development. Social Science Society,
2013 SELAMS Leadership Training Seminar Academy of Gods Children
2009 Science Camp 2009 Baguio City
Twinville, Marikina City
77
Theo Miguel A. Ballesteros
Email: matheoballesteros@gmail.com
Address: 78 Sun Valley NAIA Pasay City
Education
Tertiary
Centro Escolar University 2012 present
AB. Political Science
Secondary
Sta. Clara Parish School 2008 2012

P. Burgos st, Pasay City
Elementary
Lycee D Regis Marie 2003 2008

Dr. Santos ave. Paraaque City
Special Awards/ Qualification/Scholarship

Classroom Top 10 Students SY 2008 2012
Sta. Clara Parish School
History Quiz Bee Champion SY 2010 2011

Religion Quiz Bee Champion SY 2011 2012

ORADES President SY 2013 Present

TELASIS Writer SY 2013 2014

Deans Lister SY 2013 2015

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THE PROPOSED QUALIFICATIONS FOR SENATORS IN THE

The School of Education, Liberal Arts, Music and Social Work

Centro Escolar University

of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science

Ballesteros, Theo Miguel A.

This thesis: THE PROPOSED QULIFICATIONS FOR SENATORS IN THE

PHILIPPINES prepared and submitted by Theo Miguel A. Ballesteros and

Jesimiel G. Carlos is hereby accepted as partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree BACHELOR OF ARTS MAJOR IN POLITICAL

Dr. Maria Myriam Bacud Atty. Aldrin Quintana

Mr. Julius De Leon Dr. Juliana Laraya

Accepted as partial fulfillment for the degree of Bachelor of Arts Major in

Dr. Teresita G. Carey

Title: The Proposed Qualifications for Senators in the Philippines

Researchers: School: Centro Escolar University

Theo Miguel A. Ballesteros Adviser: Dr. Juliana Laraya

Jesimiel G. Carlos No. of Papers: 77

The Philippines is a democratic and republican country, in which

the country enjoys a type of government which is ruled by the people

through direct representation. A democratic country also experience a

political phenomenon called popular election where people tend to vote

office. The constitution provides lax requirements for a citizen to be a

legislator in the Philippines. The combination of both phenomena explains

knowledge about the bureaucracy and law.

The researchers chose the topic to assess the current legislative

qualifications and to propose improved additional qualifications for

legislative candidates. The study aims to improve the qualifications of

candidates through a recommendation of augmented constitutional

better and more efficiently.

Procedure and Treatment of Data

The researchers used the survey and interview research method

in obtaining the total results of the study.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to get the perception of selected SELAMS students

on the existing constitutional qualifications and on the proposed

additional qualifications to become a senator in the Philippines.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following:

1. How did the respondents perceive the current constitutional

qualifications to become a senator in terms of the following:

2. How did the respondents perceive the proposed qualifications

based on the following aspects of a candidate?

2.4 Economic status

3. What improvement may be proposed in the selection of

Based on the survey conducted, the following were gathered as

answers to the questions provided in the statement of the problem.

1. Perception of the respondents on the existing constitutional

constitutional qualifications as easy to comply with, fair, practical and

following: candidate must be at least 35 years old at the time of election

preceding the day of the election.

2. Perception of the respondents on the proposed qualifications

The data showed that the respondents approved of the proposed

qualifications based on their academic qualification, integrity, experience,

respondents rejected was the qualification that a prospective senator

should be a civil service exam passer.

3. Improvements proposed in the selection of senators

The findings revealed that the respondents were for the

improvement of the qualifications in choosing a senator in the country.

the inclusion of the proposed qualifications in the field of academic

qualification, integrity, experience, economic status and health

qualifications with the exclusion of the proposed qualification that a

prospective senator must be a civil service exam passer.

Based on the findings, the researcher came up with the following