The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are scheduled for the last quarter of this year. Yet, there are talks of postponing it again. This must not happen.
People are eager to vote. Many want change. Some barangay officials did little or nothing to improve their areas. Others worked hard and served well. But even the good ones must face the people. Elections are a way to renew trust. They must prove again that they deserve to serve.
Elections are not just events. They are rights. These are rights given by the Constitution. Every citizen has the right to vote. Every citizen has the right to choose leaders. The government must protect these rights. That means holding elections on time.
The government says there might be no funds. But this is not an excuse. If there is money for other projects, why not for elections? Are our votes less important? If we do not fund elections, we do not honor the rights of the people.
We cannot say elections are important, then delay them when it is hard. That is not fair. That is not democratic. Why have BSKEs in the first place if we treat them like they can be moved anytime? These elections matter. They shape our communities. They give the youth a voice. They give the people a say.
Sangguniang Kabataan elections were revived after many years. We made a big deal out of it. We said it matters. We said the youth should lead and speak up. But now we want to cancel again. Why? If we say SK elections are vital, then we should act like they are.
Postponing again sends the wrong message. It tells people that their voices can wait. It tells young people that their time does not matter. It tells barangay leaders that they can stay in office longer without a fresh mandate. That is not right.
Congress should not keep changing the schedule. People get confused. People lose faith. It looks like power is more important than principle. But democracy does not work that way. It must be regular. It must be fair. It must be on time.
We must also remember that barangays are the frontline. They handle peace and order. They manage health, disaster response, and local programs. If the leaders are not effective, change is urgent. Delaying elections delays progress. Delaying elections delays justice.
Let the people choose. Let the people decide who will lead. That is the heart of democracy. That is the promise of the Constitution.
If there are budget issues, solve them. If there are other problems, fix them. But do not take away the right to vote. Do not silence the will of the people. Elections are not favors. They are foundations of a working government.
We must move forward, not backward. Enough with the delays. Enough with the excuses. The BSKE must push through this year. It is the people’s right. It is the people’s time.