TABUK CITY, Philippines – Barangay officials will remain in holdover capacity until the elections next year, Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno has reiterated amid reports that some positions are being “peddled.”
Sueno told local officials during his visit to areas affected by Typhoon Lawin on Wednesday that barangay officials could only be removed after the elections.
“There are people...asking who are interested to take over for a fee... That is not allowed,” he said.
President Duterte signed last week the law postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections from Oct. 31 this year to Oct. 23, 2017.
Under the law, the terms of incumbent officials will be extended for a year unless they are removed or suspended from office.
Satellite registration
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections said election officers should hold at least two satellite registrations in every barangay to encourage more voters to participate in the SK and barangay elections.
“The election officer shall intensify the conduct of mandatory satellite registration at least twice in every barangay,” the poll body said through Resolution 10166 dated Oct. 25.
The registration can be held in public places, including barangay halls, public and private schools, commercial establishments, detention centers, resettlement areas and indigenous community areas.
The poll body will entertain request to hold additional satellite registration subject to the approval of regional election directors or provincial election supervisors. – With Sheila Crisostomo