Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections Can Wait

Contributed by Jeryl D. Dizon – City of Balanga, Bataan

Just as when every Tom, Dick and Harry who is dreaming of starting a political career from the grassroot level has decided to join the race, a decision has been made. The synchronized Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay elections will have to wait till October 23 in 2017 as agreed upon and announced by both houses of Congress.

Such a decision was met with varying reactions, but what is commendable is the fact that our legislators are one in their resolve to give President Rodrigo Duterte time to reorganize and fill up the bureaucracy, which the President will have a hard time if elections will be held, in view of the fact that issuance of appointments and dismissal of employees are prohibited during an election period.

Furthermore, we had just come from a “divisive exercise”- the national elections, and what we need now is a transition period for us to calm down and let the divisiveness dissipate. Instead of dividing again our nation through an election, why don’t we just allow President Duterte to pursue his programs, foremost of which is the eradication of the illegal drug menace in our midst.

Once the president succeeds in his fight against illegal drugs that has permeated all levels of our society, as well as corruption in the bureaucracy, everything else will follow. The Philippines will be on its track to economic prosperity.

Besides, the ones who will benefit most from these programs are the youth.