The barangay elections
What is it about the barangay elections that court violence? According to the PNP 33 people have died during the election period. Eighteen were elected government officials, four were candidates, and three were former government officials. Two were supporters, and six were classified as "civilians," whatever that means. According to PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde, the figure is lower compared to the elections of 2013. Still, there are deaths. Still, there are some who will go to any extent to win. Win in the smallest unit of government in the country. I would not be surprised if the number of election-related incidents increase. There are candidates, and their supporters, who just cannot accept the defeat.
The Comelec thinks that many turned out to vote in this election. But if those on the ground are asked, voter turnout was low. Vice President Robredo herself noticed that in her Naga precinct, there was no queue. On the other hand, President Duterte skipped this year's village polls, citing "purely political" reasons. I believe most of the candidates were his supporters, so he opted not to vote. There were no major incidents during the polls. The Comelec did not declare a "failure of elections" in any area, apart from some precincts that experienced delays. The Comelec should have a clearer picture once all the information has come in.
Around a thousand Sangguniang Kabataan candidates will not be proclaimed because of their age. SK candidates should not be more than 24 years of age. Persons who knew they were unqualified but still filed for candidacy and won may be charged. I wonder what they were thinking, if the rules are that obvious. Did they think they wouldn't be noticed? Did they think that the Comelec would just allow them because they won? This is hilarious if not stupid. There are truly those who cannot help but want to become a political figure, no matter how small.
Vote-buying incidents were also reported. I'm curious. Will the candidates who shell out funds for vote-buying get their money back when they win as a barangay chief, kagawad, or even an SK member? Does this mean there are really lots of opportunities to make money while "in office" in the barangay halls? Is this where the parking fees on supposedly public roads go? Do they get a percentage from all those barangay permits? Is this why there are those who would kill for the position? It may take a while before the Filipino voter truly matures, when elections are no longer marred by violence, killings and vote buying, when voters choose the candidates they believe are truly worthy to hold office. They say the barangay leaders become the country's leaders of the future. But if at this level there are those who want to be in office by any other means possible, that does not paint a bright future for Philippine politics.
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