Tining backs move extending barangay officials’ terms

CEBU, Philippines — The proposal to extend the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials has gained the support of Cebu Provincial Board Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Cebu Provincial Federation.

Martinez said he agrees with Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s proposal to extend the term from four to five years under Senate Bill No. 2387, noting that the original proposal to amend the term of office of barangay officials before the passage of Republic Act No. 12232 actually provided for a five-year term.

However, Martinez said the proposal was not adopted during the bicameral conference that reconciled the differences between the versions approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate.

He said the five-year term was intended, among other considerations, to avoid scheduling conflicts with preparations for the midterm elections, including the BARMM elections, and the succeeding presidential elections.

Martinez said the longer term would also provide more time for barangay officials and their organizations to push for pending measures that could benefit barangays.

“We in the Liga ng mga Barangay National Executive Board hope that if eventually the bill to amend the existing four-year term is passed, both the Senate and Congress can consider passing the Magna Carta for Barangay Officials and volunteers, and amend the law governing the Sangguniang Kabataan,” Martinez said.

He also called for a review of the law governing the SK before the next Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE), particularly its composition and structure at the barangay level.

Martinez said there have been recommendations to make the SK a sectoral representation rather than a full council.

Escudero has urged his fellow senators to act with urgency on SB 2387, saying Congress should decide on the measure before the end of September to provide predictability regarding the November BSKE.

In a statement, Escudero said the filing of certificates of candidacy is already scheduled for next month, making it necessary for Congress to determine whether the elections will proceed or be postponed under a new five-year term structure.

For his part, Martinez also raised the estimated P30 billion cost of holding the elections in November, saying the government could instead use the funds for urgent needs.

“We can either choose to spend ?30 billion on an election this November and accept that election-related activities and restrictions will further delay and temporarily suspend ongoing rehabilitation and repair projects before, during, and after the election period,” Martinez said.

He said the funds could instead be used to assist affected communities, mitigate the effects of the ongoing energy crisis, and support the repair and rebuilding of areas devastated by recent calamities.

“Or we can opt to be practical for now and save then use it to provide the much-needed assistance to affected communities, mitigate the effects of the ongoing energy crisis, and more so provide support for the repair and rebuilding of areas devastated by recent calamities,” he said.

“The choice is ours, either way we must also be prepared to accept the effects or consequences,” Martinez added. — (FREEMAN)