Namfrel to appeal postponement of barangay, SK polls

MANILA, Philippines — The National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) is still hoping to stop the impending postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections from October this year to May next year.

Namfrel secretary-general Eric Alvia said they would press Congress to reconsider its decision to postpone the polls, claiming it would undermine the democratic process of ensuring the citizens’ right to choose their leaders and make them accountable.  

“There is still the bicam so we will appeal our case and submit to their collective wisdom to reconsider,” Alvia disclosed.

He added that the frequent postponement of electoral exercises could eventually lead to Filipinos getting used to the idea of “no elections.”

Although Namfrel is determined to air its strong opposition, Alvia said the group would also accept if Congress rejects their appeal and still postpones the elections. 

“One win for democracy – no appointment – is good, but to conduct elections as scheduled would be better,” Alvia pointed out.

The Senate earlier approved on third and final reading the measure resetting the barangay and youth polls to May 2018. The House of Representatives also made a similar move.

 Both houses of Congress agreed to allow the current barangay officials to serve on holdover capacity until the elections are held.

The bicameral conference committee will deliberate on the proposed measure before sending it to President Duterte for approval.