What Now, Barangay Election Is Postponed

Finally, President Rody Duterte had signed the bill postponing the Barangay and SK Elections in the Philippines. If it was not postponed, it should have been held on October 31, Monday.

Prior to this, there have been speculations that elections may be postponed because the President Election had just happened last May. The government needs the budget of the money. Then the bill was passed in the congress but the signature of the president was not yet affirms the law. Then finally the president put his much awaited signature.

Was this postponement good?

Much probably to the incumbent barangay officials that include the Barangay Captains and the 7 Barangay Councils. The reason is so obvious, their term of incumbency is extended—and so with their rulings and honorarium. Much more to the officials who are supposed to graduate in their terms. And because December is approaching, so with their bonus and Christmas benefits. They have so much to thank rather than their best alibi “thanks we can continue our service to the people”.

There must be no problem if the village leaders are doing their duty and fulfilling what they have oath to do. But there are so many of them doing nothing in the barangay and just happy receiving their honorarium and benefits.

The news will be never be a good thing to hear to all those who have ambition to run. They are trapped and could do nothing but to wait the next election which is most probably be held next year. Many of them have already spent amount of money as preparation for their running. Then all of the sudden it went puffed, checkmate. The government robbed their money. It was a capital for their business because they are bankrupt.

Supposed to be, there will be a SK election. The youth have been not in the politics because there are so many issues about them: the performance, the age, the politics, and the dynasty.

What should be done now? Nothing but to wait next year again.