ILOILO City Mayor Jose Espinosa III urges Ilonggos to vote for the best barangay officials even though some were allegedly involved in illegal drugs.

Espinosa said he will not be able to impede these so-called narco-politicians since they are still innocent until proven otherwise by the court.

For him, the elections still rely on the vote of the public since “the freedom to vote is in the hands of the people.”

“It is up to the people to vote and I can only say that this coming elections is another opportunity of the people to select who will be their leaders so select the best leaders you think that can represent you in the barangay level,” he said.

The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections is set on May 14.

Espinosa said that voters should have an open eye in choosing village and SK officials.

“To our students and youth, you select the leaders that will bring your voice to the government and we are given the opportunity to select, to vote,” he said.

“Barangay is our basic institution. It is the foundation of our government since you (voters) are the front liners so you should make your own basis,” Espinosa added.