Anakpawis Party-list Representative Ariel “Ka Ayik” Casilao has assailed the proposed postponement of the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Casilao, in a press statement sent to Sun.Star Pampanga on Wednesday, March 14, said this clearly undermines the democratic rights of the people to choose their local officials.

“This is serial violations of the people’s right to suffrage, from October 2016 to October 2017, to May 2018, and now this, this is tantamount to desecration of the constitution and the Local Government Code,” Casilao said.

The lawmaker said the selection of barangay officials is long overdue and should commence this coming May.

“Incumbent barangay executives started in 2013, and they are already sitting on their supposed 2nd term. This is unacceptable to Filipinos, who are always fervent in choosing their leaders,” he added.

The militant lawmaker also warned the people against political compromises between the administration and local officials.

He cited the local executives’ pledges to support Charter change via constituent assembly in exchange for their respective term extension and perpetuity under a federal form of government.

“This possible plot between the administration and local officials should be thwarted by sectors who aspire to preserve the democratic way of life in the country,” he said.