• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The implementation of barangay projects and distribution of assistance have been suspended as local officials await President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision on the proposed postponement of the Nov. 2 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Negros Occidental Liga ng mga Barangay president and board member Richard Julius Sablan said Friday, Sept. 18 that the suspension is in compliance with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) restrictions on the disbursement of public funds and partisan spending during the election period.
Sablan said the restrictions cover barangay projects and the distribution of assistance, including those under the President’s socio-economic fund.
He said barangay officials are currently observing the election-related restrictions while awaiting the President’s action on the enrolled bill seeking to postpone the BSKE and extend the term of barangay officials to five years.
Despite the uncertainty, Sablan said local officials are prepared for either scenario — the holding of the elections on Nov. 2 as scheduled or the continuation of their terms should the postponement measure be signed into law.
Under existing law, the BSKE remains scheduled for Nov. 2 unless the enrolled bill is signed into law.
Sablan earlier said the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas expressed broad support for the proposed five-year term extension during its recent national assembly.
He said the longer term would also align with the mandatory five-year development plan that barangays are required to formulate under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
“We believe this five-year term will be effective and practical for every barangay,” Sablan said. | GPB
