MANILA -- President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Wednesday retained the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections set to be held on October 25.

“The preference of the President is for the barangay elections to push through in October,” said Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

Vice President Jejomar Binay earlier proposed for the abolition of barangay and SK polls, noting that it would only cause extra expenses from the government.

He instead recommended Congress to authorize mayors to appoint their trusted barangay officials and youth who will oversee the programs of the local government units. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)