Poll execs: Barangay elections are crucial

MANILA, Philippines - Elections commissioners on Monday urged voters to cast their ballots for the next barangay officials as the polls can even be more crucial than voting in the national elections.

Commissioner Grace Padaca said it is in the barangays, or grassroots, that government officials provide frontline services to the people.

"Ang election ngayon ay mahalaga kasi dito nag-uumpisa ang mukha ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan" Padaca said in a state news outfit interview.

Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr., meanwhile, said that the government would be more effective if, in the first place, deserving leaders are voted in the barangay level.

"Vote wisely by choosing the most competent and responsible candidates... Support only those who you think would do good in your barangay," Brillantes said.

Commissioner Luie Guia said the barangay is "where you can feel your government directly and how government affects your life.”

A barangay, being the smallest unit of the state, is the body led by a chairman that residents approach first in times of need, calamity or dispute, the commissioners explained.

Monday's polls started at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 3:00 p.m. Announcement of winners is expected to be held within the day in many areas in the country, especially in precincts where a small number of voters are registered.

The Commission on Elections predicts that more than 76 percent of the 54 million registered voters will elect village officials in this year's elections. - Camille Diola