LMP prexy backs move to defer brgy, SK polls

CEBU, Philippines - The president of the League of Municipalities in Cebu and Tuburan town Mayor Democrito Diamante is supporting the proposal to postpone again the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled on October this year.

President Rodrigo Duterte brought up the possibility of another postponement during a gathering of local officials last week.

"Kung ang gusto sa Presidente nga ipa-postpone niya ang maong elections uyon ra pud mi. Mosuporta ra pud mi unsa iyang gusto," Diamante said.

Celestino "Tining" Martinez III, suspended president of the Federation of Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu, also supports the move.

"Di man sad sa ingon nga bias ko pero uyon ra pud ko ana nga i-postpone kay gasto sad baya na," said Martinez said.

Martinez also suggested that the term of barangay officials be extended from three years to five years.

"Mubo ra kaayo nang tulo ka tuig kay ang uban nga mga barangay di pa maka-implement sa ilang mga proyekto unya eleksiyon na sad," said Martinez.

Despite the president’s pronouncement, the Commission on Elections will continue the registration of new voters as well as the preparations for the barangay and SK elections.

Election officer Ferdinand Gujilde said the preparations will proceed as scheduled until a law is passed postponing the elections scheduled on October 23 to a later date.

Omar Sharif Mamalinta, election assistant of Comelec Cebu City North District, said they will continue to accept registrants until April 29.

"We have not received any memorandum of the postponement of the said elections so padayun gihapon mi sa regular routine," Mamalinta said.

The barangay and SK elections was originally scheduled in October last year but was postponed to October this year. —  /FPL (FREEMAN)