‘Barangay, SK polls to test anti-dynasty law’

MANILA, Philippines - For the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the barangay and Sangguninang Kabataan polls in October could be a good opportunity to test the country’s first anti-political dynasty law. 

According to Comelec spokesman James Jimenez, it would be the first time that the synchronized polls would be conducted since the SK Reform Act of 20176 or Republic Act 19742 was passed. 

“We already have this guideline for (political dynasty) and it would be good if we can test this prohibition up to the second degree of consanguinity,” he said during the recent Kapihan sa Manila Bay breakfast forum at the Cafe Adriatico in Manila. 

The law prohibits anyone from running for SK posts if he/she is related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official in the locality where he/she seeks to be elected.

To meet this policy, the Comelec had decided to include in the certificate of candidacy a provision wherein the candidates guarantee that they do not have such a relationship with any incumbent official. 

Jimenez reiterated that the Comelec is neutral with regard to the proposal of President Duterte to again postpone the barangay polls. 

He added the poll body will  abide by any decision of Congress and this is the reason they could not slow down preparations despite Duterte’s proposal.