Leyte SP passes resolution to postpone Barangay, SK elections

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
July 12, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  The Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Leyte, during its first session on July 6, passed a resolution pushing for the postponement of the barangay and SK elections set for October this year.

Presided by Vice-Governor Mimyet Bagulaya, the members of the Provincial Board unanimously passed the SP resolution taking into consideration that the country has just been through a synchronized election and the people in local communities are still reeling from the divisiveness caused by the May 10 elections and needed time to heal.

The basic premise of the postponement is cost and savings to government, the board members said.

Considering the budget deficit the Aquino Administration is facing, the postponement of the elections is called for and instead to use the funds for the elections for priority programs instead, the board members added.

These programs, the board members said, are the construction of more classrooms, delivery of health services and housing.

Earlier, the Liga ng mga Barangay in the Province of Leyte passed a resolution urging the Congressmen in the five districts of Leyte to introduce a bill to postpone the October 2010 barangay elections.

The resolution which was signed by the majority of the members of the League noted that the October 2010 barangay and SK elections is to close to the just concluded May 10 elections.

In 2007, the government spent at least P2 billion to hold barangay elections. This year’s elections could cost more than P3 billion. Plus, the government spent about P13.5 million for the conduct of the May 10, 2010 elections.