Atienza nixes delay of brgy polls

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza opposed the plans to postpone the elections for barangay and youth leaders set for next year, as he also urged Congress not to allow the delay of the elections, which is "the most important exercise in a democratic country like the Phiippines."

Atienza said the government could not take for granted the need to elect anew barangay captains and Sangguniang Kabataan leaders, as he pointed out that barangays, the most basic governing units, are the epitome of grassroots democracy in the country.

"One of the major factors that would ensure the country’s economic stability is how well we could function as a democracy, including holding elections as scheduled," Atienza said. "What kind of a democracy do we have if we keep on postponing elections?"

Atienza made the statement following proposals from some groups to postpone the barangay and SK elections because of budgetary constraints.

"If we have to cut costs and hold barangay and SK elections on a shoestring budget, then by all means let us do so," he said. He added, "it would be unacceptable to say we have to reset the polls due to lack of funds."

According to Atienza, postponing an election would also send the wrong signal "because we are in effect saying that an election is not a priority and can be dispensed with."

He said the elections for barangays and SK officials have been postponed in the past and are long overdue.

It can be recalled that the last election for barangay officials was conducted in 1997 and their term was extended by Congress until 2002. On the other hand, the last poll held for SK officials was in 1992 and no election has been held since then. The average age of incumbent SK officials is 26, way beyond the 15- to 21-year-old age bracket mandated by law.

"An election is still the fastest way to get rid of non-performing leaders," said Atienza, who explained that postponing an election would mean preventing the people from replacing the ineffective and incompetent leaders. – Cecille Suerte Felipe