Local execs favor brgy polls in Oct

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Majority of barangay officials in this city is amenable to the holding of the barangay and SK elections on October 28 this year, while some wanted to have these in 2015.

Carlos Guarin, president of the city's Liga ng mga Barangay, said his barangay and all the other 179 barangays in the city are now prepared for any electoral battle this year.

Barangay councilwoman Glenda Sologastoa of Zarraga, Iloilo also did not want any extension if the only reason for it is to give way for the many complaints filed by defeated candidates in the last May 13 elections. “The three-year term is already enough to show your best and what you can do to help your barangay,” she said.

Iloilo City's lone district Rep. Jerry Treñas has supported the passage last year of House Bill 6005 resetting the barangay elections from the last Monday of October 2013 to October 2015.

Treñas said the government could save funds as well as add two more years to the term of barangay officials and make them continue implementing their projects with minimal interference from politicians.

The recent midterm elections have been very partisan and divisive in nature, which may affect the barangay elections, and Congress must insulate the latter from the influence of partisan politics, said Treñas. (FREEMAN)