QUEZON City, Philippines (September 19) – The Congress has already approved of the proposed postponement of the synchronized barangay and SK or Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
In a vote of 218 -4, the House of Representatives approved of the bill postponing said elections. The Senate approved their own version of the bill, with the vote of 20-2.
This is a good thing.
When the Congress voted to move the SK and barangay elections, it gives its implicit approval to the policies of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Why?
The postponement of the aforementioned elections has far-reaching consequences and may bring about the success of the first year of the Duterte administration.
You see, if the SK and barangay elections push through, all the election bans would also be implemented. These include the gun ban, the ban on appointing officials and others. This would result in a major loss of momentum for the Duterte administration especially in its war against illegal drugs.
Of course, there are other considerations like saving time and money and allowing the Commission on Elections to be able to prepare better as the poll body will not be forced to conduct two successive elections in the same year.
On the negative side, it will prolong the term of those who are already serving, meaning if those already serving are corrupt or ineffective then their constituents must bear with them for another year. But such postponement can also be seen as an opportunity for those incumbents to shape up and do better so that they can leave a more positive legacy.
Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. What our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal said echoes through the ages and organizations like the Sangguniang Kabataan prepares our youth for the leadership roles that they will assume in the future. With the SK elections moved next year, the government should also adopt measures that will spark their interests and involvement in the said elections.
(written by Allyssa Ruiz and Leslie Mendoza, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)
