On Oct. 28, barangay elections are held, as the exercise of the right of suffrage by the people of the power to select the officers of the basic political unit of government.
The Local Government Code of 1991 characterizes the barangay as the forum where the views of the people are directly expressed, and which collectively crystallizes the aspirations of the people in a democracy — “a government of the people, for the people, and by the people.”
Every country first makes its government seen and felt in this basic foundation of villages, both in the urban areas and the countryside.
Thus, by its nature, everything is up close and personal when it comes to barangay elections, as friends, neighbors, relatives, and friends vie for the posts of chairman and the kagawads.
The problem is that if one has run and lost for the post of kagawad, he becomes kagaw (germs). Only in the Philippines!
It is interesting to note that the punong barangay or chairman is the chief executive exercising the basic duty of executing laws and ordinances, disbursing funds, etc.; he has legislative powers, being the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Barangay, thus participating in the passage of barangay Resolutions and Ordinances; he is also the first stage mediator /conciliator in settling disputes (a judicial function) as part of the Lupong Tagapamayapa.
In addition, all politicians who aspire higher positions in local government units have to have “contacts” in the barangay level, or usually, make their presence felt during barangay elections.
The position of kagawad, likewise, is important as these barangay councilors assist the Punong Barangay in exercising legislative functions, as well as public order and safety concerns, related to the delivery of basic services.
These positions are a springboard for higher positions, especially among the so- called family dynasties. So it is a challenge to all voters to chose their barangay officials wisely — every voter should aspire to become a Daang Matuwid advocate.
Why should we care about barangay elections? It is admitted that the ills and perverted practices during elections starts at the barangay level — vote buying, guns, goons, gold.
With the problem of corruption, no amount of rallies, talk shows, petitions or any people power is inutile if the voters repeat the same nefarious practice of electing into office the same type of persons who only have their own selfish interests in mind.
Positive changes come only when voters choose their candidates independently and judiciously.
If a voter allows any candidate to buy his/her vote, he/she will only get what you get paid for! Let us all become Daang Matuwid advocates, and be conscious of the kind of persons elected into office.
Change for good. The daang matuwid begins Oct. 28.
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Author’s email: [email protected]
