ABC federation supports move to postpone polls

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

THE president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) Federation of Cebu Province has requested all 51 associations to pass a resolution expressing their support to postpone the synchronized Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and barangay elections slated next year.

ABC Provincial President Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr. said a separate resolution will be passed requesting the congressmen of their district to have the same stand.

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In a press conference at his office at the Capitol legislative building, Holganza said their move supports the call of ABC Cebu City president Michael Ralota, the regional president of their ABC federation.

But Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who is on vacation abroad, said the postponement of barangay and SK elections is counterproductive.

Through his consultant for media communications Cerwin Eviota, Rama said there are more pressing matters to discuss, such as how the “National Government can assist the local government units to prepare for calamities.”

Rama believes that term limits must be adhered to, Eviota explained, citing previous discussions with the mayor.

“The people must not be denied their rights when it should be time to exercise the right to suffrage,” Eviota also quoted the mayor as saying.

Postponing barangay elections would also mean prolonging the term of “bad officials.” Good officials, on the other hand, deserve a fresh mandate.

Holganza believes that the postponement will still depend on President Benigno Aquino III, whom he described as “unpredictable.”