Weeks after the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) last October 30, the post-election events that later transpired in Eastern Visayas appear to be more interesting and intense than that of the campaign period.
From incumbent village chiefs allegedly spending up to six digits of financial “donation” for SK Chairmen to former town mayor allegedly bringing firearms to the SK training venue, the SK elections wherein many are newbies in politics are exposed to the harsh reality of politics in the region.
Several sources confirmed that some mayors offer unbelievable amounts of money and even a “pabahay” unit in exchange for support for their chosen candidates. The usual tactics include the incumbent official visiting residences of the chairperson and courting the parents to vote in his lineup of candidates in exchange for money and a promise of support for the SK projects in the future.
Other rumors also circulated wherein said officials would “house” several chairmen to ensure that the opposition will not be able to persuade them. In Dagami, Leyte alone which boasts a total of 65 barangays, 35 chairmen were allegedly housed by former mayor Deo Delusa, husband of current mayor Angelita Delusa. To make matters worse, a video was taken wherein the former mayor was seen carrying a firearm close to the evacuation center wherein the SK trainings are being conducted prior to the election of federation officers on Nov. 14.
Such acts are in clear violation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) guidelines because SK federation elections should be free and independent from any political influence. This would most probably explain the tense atmosphere behind every smiling photo of the SK Federation election winners. Actions that expose the youth, the future leaders, to the ugly face of politics filled with corruption, deception and greed of those already in power.
“We have to make sure that the results of the elections in the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation, and in the Liga ng Mga Barangays are orderly, clean and free of influence. Let’s start with a clean slate with our youth leaders and barangay executives… let’s maintain the integrity of the process in selecting new representatives in our councils as ex-officio,” Senator Nancy Binay earlier said in a statement for the DILG.
Furthermore, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has signed DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-167, banning appointments of SK secretaries and treasurers within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity of any official.
“This appointment will mirror the SK officials’ credibility and will be a precedent to their leadership. Relatives are not allowed to be appointed as SK secretary and treasurer,” Abalos said.
Despite the precautionary memorandums, it is now a challenge for the DILG to bring these incidents to light and sanction the violations. However, with possible whistle blowers and witnesses gagged and blinded my money, the big question now is---How?
Such greed for power, if untreated, will only corrupt the youth and breed more corrupt officials who will serve the country in the future.
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