COINCIDING WITH THE launch of the student-led movement, Juan Bedista, and the celebration of the 21st Legal Management Week 2025, the Junior Bedan Law Circle (JBLC) rolled out a two-part civic initiative composed of “Pulsong Bedista,” the University-wide mock elections, and “Juan sa Halalan,” a colloquium on transparency and good governance on Friday, April 25, at the Lydia Tan Sy ground floor and Jonathan Sy Auditorium, respectively.
Launched by JBLC in partnership with student organizations and civic institutions like the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Junior Chamber International (JCI), and Hiraya PH, the project aims to raise awareness on voter rights, electoral issues, and the youth’s role in shaping the country’s political future ahead of the 2025 Philippine National and Local Elections.
Juan sa Halalan
Advocating for a transformative shift in Philippine politics, the Junior Bedan Law Circle (JBLC) launched its ‘Juan sa Halalan Colloquium’ at the Jonathan Sy Auditorium to “empower students through voter education and advocacy for transparency in the electoral system.”
The event featured student debates, one-way surveys, and an open forum, encouraging active youth participation and knowledge-sharing on crucial political topics.
Atty. Carlo Africa, co-founder of Hiraya, opened the discussion, calling for a challenge to the country’s entrenched political dynasties, emphasizing that there’s no such thing as a unified “youth vote.”
“We are trying to shift the generation of the young people, sila nga ang pag-asa ng bayan,” Atty. Africa declared, stressing the importance of youth-led movements in reforming the political system.
Mr. Jan Adrian Padiernos, the president of JCI Manila, discussed the necessity for greater representation of the youth and consciousness towards a better future.
“When is the best time to plant an oak tree? Anong sabi nila, 10,000 years ago? Obviously you have missed that opportunity. The next best time is now,” said Mr. Padiernos during his message.
After Mr. Padiernos’ segment, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing among the partner organizations was held, signifying a clear distinction of collaboration that the partner organizations involved are together putting a front step in changing Philippine politics for the better.
Later, Mr. Eric Jude Alvia, Secretary General of the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), reminded students of the privilege to vote, reflecting on the country’s past under dictatorship.
“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness,” Mr. Alvia said, urging the youth to take an active role in cleaning up the political process. He further advocated for transparency in politics, equating it to sunlight that exposes corruption and ensures accountability.
Lastly, COMELEC INFO Division Chief, Leo Lim, further contributed by demonstrating the function of voting machines and allowing students to witness the process firsthand.
The colloquium then concluded with an open forum where guest speakers exchanged ideas, sharing their personal experiences and knowledge on the importance of electoral reform, transparency, and youth involvement in reshaping Philippine politics.
Pulsong Bedista
Pulsong Bedista opened at the Lydia Tan Sy ground floor, inviting all Bedans to vote using mock ballots, mirroring the actual electoral process with the help of COMELEC representatives who demonstrated the use of real vote-counting machines.
“Ituturo sa atin ng COMELEC kung paano talaga ‘yung mangyayari sa totoong botohan,” said Nico Delfin, the third-year level representative of JBLC and activity chairperson of Juan Bedista.
He further emphasized that the student-led campaign was a means to engage the Bedan community in contributing to a more informed electorate ahead of the 2025 National and Local Elections that would take place this May 12.
Driven by the upcoming National Elections, this year’s Legal Management Week saw a marked increase in student participation as students, university staff, and administrators partook in the activity.
“So gusto din natin na ma-inform ang bawat botante o kahit hindi botante lalo na marami tayong hinaharap na pressing issues pagdating sa eleksyon,” said Delfin.
“Talagang makikita mo ‘yung eagerness ng bawat tao na maging educated pagdating sa pagboto. At may kita mo rin talaga ‘yung participation nila na ineexercise nila ‘yung right of suffrage nila,” Delfin noted.
The celebration also honored the Legal Management Department’s 21st anniversary, guided by the theme TANGLAW, highlighting Bedans as beacons of truth and justice. “Gusto natin na makapagambag sa society, sa bawat Bedista, sa bawat Pilipino,” Delfin shared.
(with Maria Jamille Perolina & Joaquin Zacchary Tadeo)