CEBU, Philippines - Abolishing the barangay kagawad post and the Sangguniang Kabataan and retaining only the barangay captain post is inconsistent with the PDP-Laban Party’s principle of democracy.
This was how Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna described the plan of Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to abolish the barangay kagawad position and the entire youth council.
“I find it rather inconsistent to PDP Laban Party’s principle of democracy. The authority of government cannot be bestowed upon a single individual,” Fortuna said.
The vice mayor along with Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing and the entire members of the City Council took their oath as new members of the PDP-Laban before Alvarez last week.
According to Fortuna, the barangay is the basic unit form of government. He pointed out that one of the most important functions of the kagawad, who is part of the barangay council, is to provide a check-and-balance.
Citing an example, he said that even community chapels are run by a set of officers elected by its members as it is the democratic way of life.
Fortuna is also not in favor of the plan to abolish the youth council, saying that the “youth should have a role in governance” like student government that plays substantial role in schools.
The vice mayor, nonetheless, said that the City Council will not yet file their resolution opposing Alvarez’ plan unless the bill is filed.
“It would be premature for us to file a resolution unless the bill is filed,” Fortuna said.
As far as Mandaue City is concerned, Quisumbing said, he has no problem with the 189 barangay kagawad in the 27 barangays.
“I can only speak for Mandaue. Our barangay councilors are hardworking and they are close partners of the city government,” the mayor said. (FREEMAN)