NAMFREL exec: Postponing Barangay, SK polls means reduced accountability

Postponing the barangay elections in 2020 to 2022 will only allow incumbent barangay officials to escape accountability, an official of poll watchdog National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) said Monday.

Namfrel Secretary General Eric Alvia issued the remark in response to the proposal of Senator-elect Christopher “Bong” Go to seek for the postponement of the barangay polls to 2022 to extend the term of incumbent barangay officials since a two-year term won't be enough to implement impactful programs.

“Elections should be conducted regularly as scheduled. Postponing barangay & Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections will deprive citizens of making their local leaders accountable and replacing them if they do not perform and/or the confidence of his/her constituents,” Alvia told GMA News Online in a text message.

Alvia also dismissed Go’s claim that a two-year term is not enough for barangay officials to perform their task.

“If those elected in 2018 hit the ground running and did their jobs, then they could show substantial results,” Alvia said.

“Most basic services and infrastructure programs in the barangay are already in place. You don't need to reinvent the wheel in running a barangay,” Alvia added.

The Duterte administration already postponed the baranagay and SK polls twice, in 2016 and 2018, to supposedly rid the barangays of officials linked to the illegal drug trade.

The extension of the term of barangay officials is a campaign promise of Go. Go assumes his post as senator on June 30. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News