Aside from the Comelec, some lawmakers are also in favor of postponing the barangay polls and even proposed a bill to the Senate. This idea, however, is opposed by President Noynoy Aquino.
As the basic unit of society, the barangay plays a vital role in the country’s governance. Unfortunately, barangays aren’t spared from various anomalies commonly thrown at the national government.
Barangay officials are allegedly misusing funds coming from the international revenue allotment or IRA. Stealing from IRA is so pervasive that a barangay chairman even claimed that it is already an “open secret” among them.
Political dynasties can also start at the barangay level just like in Barangay 53, Zone 4, Dagupan, Tondo, Manila, where five kagawads and one Sangguniang Kabataan chairman all belong to the same clan.
The government will spend about P3.4 billion if the barangay election pushes through. Is this amount worth it to be spent on electing a new set of barangay officials?
Don’t miss the full report in “Failon Ngayon” this Saturday (June 1), 4:45 PM, after “SOCO” on ABS-CBN with a replay on ANC every Sunday, 2PM. Visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/failon.ngayon and follow it on Twitter via @Failon_Ngayon. Tweet your thoughts and reaction this weekend using the hashtag #FailonNgayon.
