Barangay execs back polls delay
MOST of Cebu City’s 80 barangay officials support a proposal to postpone the next synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to Oct. 2014.
A manifesto was passed yesterday by the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in Cebu City to back the proposal of Rep. Rachel del Mar of Cebu City’s north district.
Most barangay captains feel that “they needed another year to especially finish the implementation of infrastructure projects,” said ABC president and T. Padilla barangay captain Michael Rallota.
Rallota sponsored a similar resolution passed by the City Council during their Feb. 8 session.
Two members disagreed.
Kalubihan barangay captain Carmelo Millan said he would still prefer that the barangay elections be held next year.
Millan and Basak San Nicolas barangay captain George Rama didn’t sign the ABC manifesto.
“It’s better to have an election because there’s a challenge. If you lose, it means the people don’t believe in you,” Millan said.
Rep. Del Mar in a separate interview said her bill is pending before the Lower House’s suffrage and electoral reforms committee.
She said a group may later be created to look into her bill in tandem with another bill by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, which seeks a two-year extension in the terms of barangay and SK officials.
“A lot of congressmen have approached me to express support for my bill. So far, it’s good,” said del Mar.
Among the supporters of her are Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu’s 4th district. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac
