SK & Barangay Elections – Postpones Again?
The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay Elections 2018 has been no doubt another Never-Ending story not only in Dumaguete City but in all parts of the Philippines. The House of Representatives channeled their way to postponing the elections from May 14, 2018 to October 8, 2018 despite the number of opposition from various sectors.
Barangay Elections 2018 and SK Poll
After the Presidential elections, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay Elections had been moved a couple of times due to numerous reasons from the government. Not once, not twice, but thrice. See Calendar of Activities for SK & Barangay Elections 2018 here!
House of Representative Explains
According to the House of Representatives, four of their members filled separate bills to postponed the said SK & Barangay Elections 2018. On of their reason is to “better prepare for the polls”. Another reason is based on the new constitution that could contradict with Duterte’s administration. The four bills that were filed by the four House members can be further examined here: House Bill 7072 (Filed by Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel on January 31).
Stands Against the Postpone of Elections
However, there are two lawmakers opposing to the bills ACT Teachers Party-List Representative Antonio Tinio and Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice who stood strongly against these bills. Antonio Tinio have stood strongly about his stand that many of the officials are 3rd-termers, who should have faced the public for election a long time ago.
Mawalang galang na po, Attorney, pero ang kapal ng mukha ‘nyo para sabihin na hindi self-serving ang proposal.” (With all due respect, Attorney, but you’re so thick-faced to say the proposal is not self-serving.) Tinio said.
Sumosobra na po na sa pangatlong beses ay aagawan na naman ng karapatan,” Tinio said, as he was interrupted apparently by Abesamis. “Excuse me, nagsasalita ka ba, Attorney? I have the floor! (It’s too much if, for the 3rd time, we will rob them of their rights of…. Excuse me, are you speaking, Attorney? I have the floor!) he added.
Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice on the other hand spoke loudly regarding his thoughts about the Barangay Elections not being a game. He also added that the barangay officials have been serving for 5 years now, some are already sick while some are inactive to serve in their positions.
Ang eleksyon po ay simbolo ‘yan ng demokrasya.” (The elections are a symbol of democracy.) Erice said.
Yung barangay officials, ‘yan po ‘yung araw-araw nilang kaharap, araw-araw na sinusuungan ng kanilang mga suliranin. Subalit minadali na naman natin. Ngayon lang tayo nag-hearing, aaprubahan na kaagad natin?“(The barangay officials are the ones the people encounter and approach for help every day. But we rushed this again. We’re holding the hearing only now, and yet we’re already approving it?) he added.
