Barangays are the smallest administrative units in the Philippines, serving as the foundation of local governance. These communities play a pivotal role in delivering essential government services to residents, making choosing the right candidate highly significant.
Barangay elections are a crucial part of the democratic process in the Philippines, providing citizens with the opportunity to elect their local leaders to represent their interests at the grassroots and municipal level.
However, there were issues shrouding the 2022 Barangay and SK Elections. The said elections were originally scheduled last May 2020. But in December 2019, a republic act was passed postponing the election to October 2022. By September 2022, both houses of the senate and congress voted to ratify the senate version of the bill allowing the postponement of the election to October 2023. As October 2022 came, the act was amended as another law was passed, this time cancelling the the election for good with the act postponing it to October 2023.
On October 10, newly elected President Bong Bong Marcos signed Republic Act No. 11935 officially moving the date of barangay elections and postpone ti to the last Monday of October 2023.
But the Supreme Court ruled against it, declaring that the law unconstitutionally exceeds the number of years in position. The election is mandated to proceed as scheduled with the elected officials serving until 2025. The next election will be held even years thereafter. According to legislators the purpose republic act of postponing said election is to save on financial resources as expenses may rise to millions of pesos.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricacies of barangay elections, from the election period to the role of the Supreme Court, and the significance of barangays in the entire Philippines.
Understanding Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections
Key Barangay Council Members
Each barangay of these communities is overlooked by the Barangay Council (Sangguniang Barangay) made up of:
1 barangay captain or punong barangay
7 barangay councilors
1 chairman of the Youth Council/Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)
The barangay election is a process officiated by the Commission on Elections. It revolves around selecting the right barangay officials.
A registered voter would have to go to official voting centers. These elected leaders bear the responsibility of making decisions, using funds, implementing policies, and addressing constituents’ needs within their respective barangays.
Barangay Officials
Barangay elections are primarily focused on the election of crucial barangay officials, namely Barangay Captains and Barangay Councilors. These elected representatives hold pivotal roles in local governance and law, serving and representing their constituents in various capacities.
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections
While barangay elections primarily focus on Barangay Captains and Councilors, they often coincide with Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. The SK is the youth council responsible for addressing the concerns and needs of younger constituents.
Age Criteria for Registered Voters
While the Barangay Council or Sangguniang Barangay shares a single election period, there is a difference between the voters’ ages.
Generally, a registered voter must be 18 years old to vote for barangay officials. However, voters at least aged 15 during the election period may register to vote for the SK chairperson in the Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Those aspiring for SK positions may do so by the age of 18 and can run up to 24 years of age.
For the SK elections, constituents who are 15 to 30 years old may be part of the poll body and may take part in voting.
The Election Period and Schedule
A winning barangay official will serve a term of 3 years. However, terms of office for barangay officials are usually extended when elections are postponed as a cost-saving measure and legal practicality. As such, elections for Sangguniang Barangay also occur every 3 years.
In 2023, the election is slated for October 30 in all provincial areas in the Philippines.
The Election Process
Campaign Period and Strategies
The campaign period is a pivotal phase in any election. During this time, candidates vying for the positions of Barangay Captain and Councilor present their platforms and engage with voters.
Those who have advocacies and platforms in specific areas concerning members of the community would take this opportunity to showcase their willingness to serve and act in the public interest.
Effective campaign strategies can significantly influence the election’s outcome. While campaigning, these hopefuls try to build relationships with their constituents. It is also during this time when they are subject to intense scrutiny. As voters, you must take time to investigate and ask questions
Election Day Procedures
On election day, registered voters converge at their designated voting centers to cast their ballots. It is crucial to carry valid identification and follow the poll workers’ instructions diligently. The integrity of the election process hinges on the proper use of ballots and adherence to legal guidelines.
Legal Aspects and Supreme Court Rulings
The Supreme Court of the Philippines plays a pivotal role in interpreting the constitution and upholding the constitutionality of election-related laws and decisions.
Over time, the Supreme Court has ruled on various issues related to election procedures, including election postponements, candidates’ eligibility, and other significant matters.
Disqualifications and Moral Turpitude
A key consideration in Barangay elections is the disqualification of candidates involved in any crime involving moral turpitude, whether within their jurisdiction or beyond. These crimes are defined as “an act of baseness, vileness, or depravity,” such as murder and rape.
Any candidate who has crime records in this vein is immediately disqualified from filing a candidacy.
Assuming Office as an Elected Official
Upon confirmation and proclamation of the election results by the Commission on Elections, newly elected Barangay Captains and Councilors assume their positions and are bound to civil service.
They embark on their terms by addressing local issues, managing resources, and implementing policies to enhance their respective barangays.
The Importance of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections
Barangay elections are a vital component of the Philippines’ democratic system, enabling citizens to actively participate in local governance.
As voters, comprehending the election process, the legal framework, and the significance of elections empowers us to make informed choices that contribute to our barangays’ progress and development and, by extension, the entire nation.
Staying informed about election updates, candidates’ platforms, and Supreme Court rulings is essential. Your active involvement ensures that the elections continue to stand as a beacon of democracy and free expression in the Philippines.
Let your voice be heard in shaping the future of your barangay and the entire country through the power of the vote.
Create an Effective and Efficient Society with Camella
This October, the election period reaches its final days. The hope is that barangays around the Philippines get leaders who use their power to uphold the constitution and use their office to act in genuine servitude.
Although, it’s important to note that the success of the local government and barangay and SK council also relies on the cooperation of its members.
At Camella, we want to help improve the lives of every family in the community. We encourage our residents to become community leaders and representatives who lead by example.
We have designed master-planned developments to ensure that laws and regulations are enforced well. Moreover, we strive to give autonomy to our residents.
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