The Supreme Court declared that postponement of Barangay and SK Election is unconstitutional.
Despite of the unmistakable statement of the Supreme Court, still the previous President Duterte's administration postponed the said election twice.
This is lamentable because it deprived the electorates the liberty to choose their barangay leaders on time as provided for in our constitution.
Thanks to the present PBBM administration, Barangay and SK Election will definitely take place on October 30 of the present year.
This was confirmed by Commission on Election Chairman George Garcia. in fact, he said the required budget was already allotted for the purpose and his office is all prepared to look and monitor the situation. I salute you, Sir for your laudable action.
Having learned the go signal from the Comelec that Barangay and 5K Election will push through on the specific date, Barangay officials have started in their campaign trail going around to their respective area of jurisdiction, shaking hands with their constituents. Some have already put up big tarpaulins in public places boosting and promoting their accomplishments.
I would like to cite here the role of barangay. This is for the guidance and benefit of those who don't know yet this important information. As a basic political unit, barangay serves as the planning and implementing unit of government policies plans, programs, projects and activities in the community and as a forum wherein the collective values of the people maybe expressed, crystallized and considered, and where a dispute maybe amicably settled. For the aspiring barangay candidates, please take note of the role of barangays. This will help you pave the way in your plans and programs for your barangays. On the other hand, let me mention here about the interesting barangay elections in the town of Magalang.
I will present here a short list of candidates, incumbents and their opponents for the Magalenos to assess who are deserving of their votes. First in my priority detail are the candidates in thickly populated barangays and receiving a huge Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).
It is a common knowledge that barangay officials whose barangays are allotted a bigger amount of Internal Revenue Allotment receive handsome salaries and allowances. This is the very reason why many candidates have shown a greater interest to join the barangay election.
In Barangay Sta. Cruz, candidates are: Rudy Gonzales, Toto Gonzales, Edgar Sidoy and Jay Malonzo. Sta. Lucia candidates are: Loyd Lacson, Elvis De Guzman, Rommel Reyes and Berto Merando. In Barangay San Isidro, candidates are: Buboy Banal who is the incumbent Punong Barangay vs Joshua Guzman. Sto. Rosario: Dado San Miguel, Allan Poe, Boric Manguera. In Balitucan the incumbent barangay Kap is Mamerto Lacson, Allan Lacsamana, Mon Salvador and Tirona Alfaro. In Barangay San Nicolas 1, incumbent is Kap. Wangyu David vs Toti Guzman. According to reliable source Kap. Wangyu enjoys a wide, and comfortable lead over his closest opponent.
This is due to his laudable accomplishments. He promised to provide his constituents 150 internets, 50 of them have already been installed in selective households including the Town Plaza, purchased of piece of land to put up a covered basketball court.
This is very much appreciated by lovers of sports especially on basketball games. He has acquired an ambulance and built a barangay health center for the poor and indigent families. All these were realized due to the support of the Pampanga Governor Dennis "Delta" Pineda and the Lady Mayor of Magalang Malu P. Lacson.
For lack of space, I will for the moment escape naming other protagonists in the other barangays.
They will be mentioned in my next contribution to the Opinion Section of Sunstar. For those who will come out as victorious in the coming barangay polls, I humbly advise them to consult the Local Government Code and have a glimpse of Chapter 3 Sec 389 as a guidance for the welfare of inhabitants residing in your community.
As a former three termer Mayor, I urge barangay electorates to use your sound discretion in choosing barangay leaders not on the basis of financial consideration and other political patronage but who possess with untainted principles, competent, honest, humble and above all God fearing leaders.