Thursday, September 27, 2007 Editorial: 'Hands-off policy' in barangay polls
WITH the possible scuttling by the Senate of the attempt by the House to postpone to a later date the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections scheduled next month, the focus is now on the actuation of political parties and politicians.
An interesting statement in this regard is therefore Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s claim that he won’t support candidates in the barangay elections in his turf.
Not many believe the “no meddling” assertion, of course, especially the barangay chiefs who have suffered the brunt of Osmeña’s displeasure against the opposition.
A hands-off policy is possible in areas where Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) people are running against each other but not in, say, Pardo, Tinago and Lahug.
Hands off claim
Besides, while the mayor may not be interested in the polls in some barangays, his councilors will be, considering that they need the support of barangay officials in 2010.
That can also be said of the political opposition in the city, who may field their own bets, although their support will be limited considering their utter lack of resources.
In this sense, the attention will be on barangays whose chiefs are allied with the opposition, notably Lahug where the mayor’s opponent last May, Mary Ann de los Santos, will try to retain control of a barangay where Osmeña has lost in past elections.
The extent of the support de los Santos opponent will get from the mayor or his councilors will gauge the extent of BOPK’s meddling or the truth in its hands-off claim.
Importance
In the province, the focus will surely be in the fourth district, especially in the city of Bogo, where Rep. Benhur Salimbangon’s bitter rivalry with the camp of Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr. will surely be translated into a battle for control of the barangays.
What this means is that while outwardly politicians, like Osmeña will claim adherence to a hands off policy in the elections, things will be different out in the field.
Their meddling will continue to wreak havoc on the smooth and honest holding of the barangay and SK elections, which is unfortunate considering the importance of barangay officials in the country’s political structure.
