MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Tolentino has proposed the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Negros Oriental to quell political tension in the province.
Tolentino broached the idea on Wednesday at the Senate public order and dangerous drugs panel’s inquiry into the spate of political killings in the country, including Negros Oriental where Governor Roel Degamo was shot and killed last month.
READ: Senate starts probe into Degamo slay, spate of political killings
The 2023 barangay and SK elections are scheduled on October 30.
“Naiisip-isip ko na ngayon. Kung sasangayunan niyo ako – of course, this has to be with the concurrence of our other colleagues and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) – kung i-postpone natin ang elections ng Barangay [at SK] sa Negros Oriental,” he said.
(I’m thinking of having the barangay and SK elections in Negros Oriental postponed, with the concurrence of my colleagues and the Comelec.)
READ: IN NUMBERS: Attacks on elected officials in Negros Oriental since 2016
“Kung i-postpone iyon, magkakaroon ng mas malakas na momentum ang ating peacekeeping forces. Pagkatapos ng ibang trabaho, ma-me-maintain ang law and order sa Negros Oriental. Baka magdulot ng karagdagang karahasan kung matutuloy ang Barangay [at SK] elections,” Tolentino explained.
(If this is postponed, our peacekeeping forces will have stronger momentum. After finishing other duties, they can maintain law and order in Negros Oriental. More violence may break out if the barangay and SK elections push through.)
Degamo’s widow Janice, who is also the mayor of Pamplona town, backed Tolentino’s bid, saying the postponement of the barangay and SK polls in Negros Oriental would allow peacekeeping bodies to focus on restoring order in the province.
Tolentino moved to summon Comelec chairman George Garcia in the next panel hearing to further tackle the proposal – a motion seconded by Sen. Robinhood Padilla and approved by the committee with no objections.