Wednesday, September 05, 2007 PB backs SK, barangay elections By Stephen Capillas
AFTER much debate, the Provincial Board (PB) of Misamis Oriental approved Monday a resolution supporting the scheduled Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and barangay elections this October.
In an interview, Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Norris Babiera said the approval came amid intense debates among administration PB members divided over whether to ask or not the national government to suspend the elections.
The lawmakers are studying a bill that would postpone both the SK and barangay elections to 2009, a year before President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's term expires.
Babiera said a resolution was submitted to them by the Misamis Occidental PB asking for the deferment of the elections either to next year or 2009.
He said PB member Luis Acain of the Association of Barangay Officials (ABC) in Misamis Oriental supports the postponement of the elections until 2009 owing to budget constraints by the National Government.
However, Babiera said PB member Wayne Militante pointed out that local officials are reluctant to have the elections pushed through because of lack of funds for campaign expenses.
Previously, the Commission on Elections in Northern Mindanao assured it has the materials and funds for the SK and barangay elections in Northern Mindanao.
Vice Mayor Vicente Emano, heads of the ruling Padayon Pilipino party in Misamis Oriental, openly supported the call of administration officials in the country to suspend the elections.
Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Cagayan de Oro Second District Representative Rufus Rodriguez argued in favor of the holding of the elections as mandated under the Constitution. They said any delays would be advantageous to the ruling administration party.
