Are barangays, SK not important?

FOR the umpteenth time, Congress is again finding a reason to postpone elections of barangay (and Sangguniang Kabataan) despite what is mandated in our Constitution.

It is bad enough that barangay officials are not being held accountable for many known irregularities in the handling of funds, particularly Internal Revenue Allotment.  Reports of overstaying corrupt barangay officials who have enriched themselves, who now own 3-floor buildings, two SUVs , etc. are not lost to barangay residents. With no regularity in elections barangay folks wonder endlessly –  when will all these blatant cases of plunder end?

A study made by the University of the Philippines more than a decade ago have indicated that corruption in local governments when summed up are in fact much bigger to account than corruption in national government. But why aren’t there many local officials jailed?

With each postponement of election, the accountability of barangay officials is further lost in the consciousness of the governed. The only time charges of corruption are aired and levelled against incumbent barangay officials is during election, still that period for accountability has no real consequences.

In most towns and cities, overstaying corrupt barangay officials are even protected by DILG directors who take orders from the mayors.  The political patronage that corrupt barangay officials enjoy corresponds to the loyalty manifested, and this systemic arrangement becomes apparent during election of city/town officials.

Then, postponement of SK elections also results in overstaying, overaged SK presidents. To qualify for the post, one qualification is not older than 24 years old before election. Translation: No SK member can be eligible as president after one term (3 years).

 Postponing elections makes corruption a regular feature in public service.

Accusation, validation

YOU say you will tell the truth because your children tell you to tell the truth, what does that make of you?  A hero?  A man of honor?  It is not bad to heed your kin’s advice.  Especially if the counsel involves core values, such as integrity, honesty and principle.  But then, isn’t it incumbent upon every person to be downright upright, particularly so if that person holds a high position, whether in government or in a private entity?  A man’s true worth is measured only by what he believes in, with his estimation of what is politically correct in society and on the validity of the commerce of man.  No one tells us the right from the wrong and the wrong from the right except us, our selves.  If the heart agrees with the mind, then it’s nailed.  Right there and there.  Albayalde guilty?  Not necessarily.  Accusation is one thing.  Validation is another.

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