I tried to convince three nephews, a family driver, and a retiree to run for office in the coming barangay and youth elections. They turned me down and thought I was crazy to think they could win without machinery.
Saturday, September 2, 2023, marked the last day for the filing of certificates of candidacy for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to be held on October 30. No more chance, in other words, for anyone, for independent, newbie, nonpartisan individuals to join the electoral race at the basic political unit, the barangay.
The Commission on Elections has yet to release the names of the candidates for the 672,432 barangay and SK positions nationwide. The campaign period will run from October 19 to 28.
There has been no report yet on the profile of the candidates, if they are reelectionists, belong to political families, or are newbies, their backgrounds, and their stand on barangay priorities and the allocation of funds, among others. The Inquirer.net only reported that the number of candidates as of Friday reached nearly one million; that 66 percent of them are male and 34 percent, female; and that the filing of candidacy papers was extended in areas badly hit by two consecutive typhoons in Luzon.
In the period leading to the filing of certificates of candidacy, I asked several people to consider running for barangay and SK positions. I was serious and I told them the country needed fresh leaders with vision and energy to stop traditional, non-performing officials from getting elected again. A change in leaders could mean a change in policy and governance style.
Alas, I failed to convince even one. They thought I was crazy to believe they, the politically unexperienced without the wherewithal to stage a campaign, could battle with dynastic candidates whose names are household to many.
The only requirements for those to run for barangay or councilor are: citizen of the Philippines, registered voter in the barangay, resident in the barangay for at least one year before election day, able to read and write; and at least 18 years old.
For the SK posts, a candidate, in addition, must not be related within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected official, and must not have been convicted of moral turpitude.
There are officials who have been performing and are authentic in their service to the barangay, but there are those who are in office for reasons of their family name and performed poorly. The barangay and SK elections have been postponed four times since 2016. The incumbents have been there for more than the term for which they originally applied. A change would be welcome.
With the filing of candidacy papers closed, it is up to the voters now to choose on October 30 the best persons for the job in the barangay and the SK. I hope they consider new names.