Residents' association election influenced by barangay officials

CEBU, Philippines - VOTING PROCESS. It seems that it is not the barangay that is the smallest and most basic local government unit. This, an Ear informer said, after he witnessed the latest election of a sitio in an urban barangay. The residents of this sitio cast their votes to select their next residents’ association president and chapel leaders. The informer said, “Pareha ang sistema ug ang proseso para sa pag-vote niadtong May 10 ug para sa presidente sa kapilya. Wala lang silay PCOS machine.”

BARANGAY INFLUENCE. The informer also noted that during the “campaign period” before the election of chapel leaders, barangay officials “campaigned” for the candidate who is also a barangay councilman. A barangay official was heard saying, “Kung si___ inyong pili-on, dali na lang kaayo mo makaduol sa barangay.” The informer said, “Bisan para presidente sa kapilya, pamolitika gihapon.”