DILG backs Namfrel call for barangay, SK bets to submit resume

THE Department of Interior and Local Government supported the call of the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) to require all candidates in the 2018 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to submit their respective resumés.

DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero during the Open Government and Participatory Governance Regional Dialogue in Baguio City explained this measure will give voters the chance to review the qualifications of candidates.

"Well, that's part really to the SK law which requires prospective candidates to help the, submit the necessary requirements, and to hall the asses if they are really qualified. This are initiatives of our partners who wish to screen out those interested and qualified, and to advice those not qualified to rethink their decision," Panadero said.

Aside from the required resumes, this move will also complement DILG's campaign for ‘Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahang Barangay and SK officials' for the May 2018 political exercise.

Namfrel earlier made the proposal to the Commission on Elections to issue a resolution to require the candidates to submit to such measure which does not violate the constitution since no new requirement are being imposed on candidates.

Meanwhile, Panadero believes despite moves in Congress to again reschedule the Barangay and SK elections for the third time, it will still have to undergo with the necessary time one if this could be met by the lower house.

"Until the law have not changed, the schedule for the elections remain he same. I think Comelec is in the midst of their preparations and from the end of the DILG, we will continue to ask the help of Civil Society Organizations to help advocate on how to choose the right officials for the Barangay ang SK positions," the Under Secretary stated.

A third postponement of the May 2018 political exercise have been floating in the lower house of Congress which seeks to defer the exercise for the third quarter of this year.

Some 2000 local candidates in the City of Baguio are set to run for various positions during the synchronized political exercise this May.