Barangay, SK polls to push through on May 14 —DILG, Comelec

The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections will definitely push through on May 14, the Department of Interior and Local Government said Tuesday as it launched its nationwide campaign encouraging the public to vote for good leaders.

“Tuloy na tuloy na ang barangay and SK elections sa May 14,” Interior Undersecretary Martin Diño said in a press conference.

Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez said this is the third time the local elections was rescheduled.

“Third try na ito sa barangay and SK elections. Natutuwa kami na tuloy na tuloy na. Makakaasa kayo na magiging partner sa information dissemination,” he said.

Diño said the filing of certificate of candidacy will be from April 14 to 20 as he asked the candidates to check their consciences before running for the post.

“Sa mga tatakbo, magnilay-nilay kayo bago mag-file ng certificate of candidacy. Suriin n’yo ang konsyensya n’yo kung meron pa kayo at kung kakayanin n’yo ang responsibilidad,” he said.

Jimenez said the campaign period will be from May 4 to 12.

He said some 55 million voters are expected to participate in the polls.

Jimenez added that the deadline for the filing of the Statement of Contribution and Expenditures will be on June 13. A person who will fail to do so within 30 days after elections will not be allowed to assume his seat or take his oath, he said.

In a press statement, DILG officer in charge Eduardo Año said voters should not only exercise their right to suffrage on May 14 but should also choose leaders who possess three minimum qualities that are important to carry out meaningful peace and development initiatives in the communities.

"The DILG's 'Matino, Mahusay, at Maasahan' campaign for the barangay and SK Elections is a guide for our voters in choosing their rightful leaders. Ito pong mga katangian na ito sana ang hanapin natin sa ating mga ibobotong pinuno ng ating komunidad," he said.  

"Gawin po nating makabuluhan at tunay na kapaki-pakinabang ang pagpili ng tamang mga kandidato. Tandaan: Nakasalalay sa mga boto niyo ang simula ng pagbabago sa inyong mga barangay," he added.

Año said the campaign will be cascaded to the DILG’s regional and field offices which shall conduct similar activities to urge the public to vote wisely.

He said part of the campaign is the conduct of press conferences, issuance of press releases, distribution of information materials, radio and television guestings of DILG officials, among others. —KG, GMA News