TV show contestant leaves enlightened after Comelec tour
Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila. —Inquirer files
MANILA, Philippines — A television show contestant who admitted not knowing much about the functions of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said she has become “more enlightened” after being given a guided tour of its central office in Manila on Tuesday.
“I now better understand what the Comelec really means and what other things it does. I encourage everyone to learn about the Comelec’s job,” 20-year-old Heart Aquino told reporters afterward.
“I’m now more enlightened, more knowledgeable following my visit here,” she added.
In the “Sexy Babe” segment of the noontime show “It’s Showtime” on Feb. 28, Aquino, who was asked to deliver a message to the Comelec, said she did not know much about the agency.
Taken aback, co-host Vice Ganda remarked that Aquino’s response was “bothersome.” A video clip of the exchange posted on social media went viral hours later.
Aquino admitted she was bashed as a result as she clarified she was not totally clueless about the Comelec’s role.
“Like I said, I’m not that very knowledgeable [about Comelec] but I do have knowledge, and I just experienced mental block because it was my first appearance on TV and it was a bit nerve-racking,” she said.
Comelec Chair George Garcia, when asked about the incident, said that instead of reprimanding Aquino, it would be better to invite her to the central office as part of voter education.
Contestant’s offer
Aquino arrived early Tuesday afternoon and was given a tour of the Comelec offices and halls, including a gallery filled with posters showing its historic milestones and achievements.
She was accompanied by Comelec Director Frances Arabe and other senior officials.
Aquino said that if the Comelec would ask her to inform her peers about its functions and to urge them to register and vote, she could use her social media presence.
“My message to young people like me is to learn about Comelec and vote wisely. It’s for our own sake. That’s what I realized. Let us not ignore events happening around us,” she added.
