"Non-partisan" has no meaning in barangay elections

NOT NON-PARTISAN. Barangay elections is supposed to be non-partisan, says Comelec. No political party, political coalition or organization should intervene, participate or represent any candidate in the barangay elections. But in campaign speeches, mudslinging and political name dropping is the usual repertoire. “Non-partisan” seems like a foreign term. It holds no meaning for candidates.

CAMPAIGN PROMISES. In an urban barangay, the residents heard the candidates seeking reelection promise, “Kung kami inyong pilion pag usab, suportahan kita ni kongresman!” While in another barangay, the promise was, “Gitabangan kami sa city hall. Kung kami inyo pilion, makasalig kita sa tabang gikan sa siyudad.”