THE filing of certificate of candidacies for the forthcoming barangay elections is over. Hopefully, the result of the sacred purpose for which the political exercise is being held will be known on May15, 2018.
Anyway, and in fairness, the Comelec has demonstrated its administrative capability in processing the requisite documents filed by at least 42,000 candidates short of any disruptive incidents. And this, without the commanding moral support of a sitting full-time chairman.
Well, the good news is that the persistent agitation of media and people’s organizations, particularly the elderly sector, that the values of competent leadership is the key to energize our barangays as catalyst for social and economic progress appears to reap dividends. For it appears that such initiative has pushed some professional and educated barangay residents, this time, to run as candidates. The consensus is that the vices of traditional politics are dissuading this knowledgeable sector to seek elective office in their respective barangays. Such welcomed development is said to have been duplicated in the counterpart Sangguniang Kabataan where many fresh college graduates are seeking SK slots.
Even assuming this political windfall as true, the ultimate decision whom to vote for remains in the hands of the electorate. But, this time, unlike in the previous elections the absence and/or presence of requisite qualifications of candidates are clear-cut. For it may now happen that the voter is confronted with the choice between competent and responsible candidates, as against, mindless and self-aggrandizing ones. At best, with this scenario, the slogan: vote wisely will have the chance of gaining ascendancy at the door-steps of barangay halls.
Thus, the essential dynamics for social and economic progress are clearly waiting in the wings to be tapped. Hopefully, if this corps of professionals are empowered to provide the leadership mix, with the youth and the senior citizens providing the support and inspiration, the envisioned mission will serve as the continuing challenge towards its achievement.
This is not a call to duty beyond our will power to confront and capacity to do. The first and only step is to emancipate ourselves from our indulgence to vices that offer temporary pleasure but leads to long-term misery and destitution. Worst, the perpetuation of this social malaise robs our youth the inspiration of those core values that entitle any society worthy of its dignity as a free man in a democracy.
There is optimism that if the electorate can resist the lure of bribe money, we will emerge strong, resilient and powerful from the travails that today are undermining our barangays. To recapitulate, our barangays are mandated to provide basic leadership towards growth, unity, and stability. No less important, is the duty to guide the youth towards light and truth through exemplary deeds. But this could only be realized if through the sacred exercise of our right of suffrage, competent and dedicated candidates are elected.