EDITORIAL – Vote for better neighborhoods

The law assigns numerous responsibilities to barangay officials. They play an important role in the delivery of many basic services. They are mandated to assist victims of domestic violence, prevent squatting and partner with the police in maintaining peace and order. They are tasked to help protect the environment. If barangay officials had done their job, the crisis in Boracay would not have happened.

Their honesty and efficiency can make doing business easy in the barangay, by serving as facilitators of economic activity rather than hindrances. The law empowers barangay units to raise their own funds through the imposition of certain fees. This power has been abused in many areas, with various fees imposed arbitrarily on everything from home-based mom-and-pop enterprises to parking and even passage through the barangay. Such fees, which mostly escape government auditing, add more layers to the already voluminous red tape imposed by city hall and national government agencies.

As in any position that wields power, there are cases of abuse. Barangay officials have been linked to numerous criminal activities including drug trafficking, illegal gambling, smuggling as well as protection rackets for squatters and ambulant vendors.

Voters must take the time to get to know the candidates for today’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. Even if voters do not personally know each candidate, those unhappy with the state of their barangay can make an effort to vote if only to replace the incumbents.

On the eve of the vote, the Commission on Elections reported cases of vote-buying and poll-related violence. These are meant to undermine the people’s will, and the public must help prevent such infractions.

Barangay officials play a critical role in ensuring that neighborhoods are clean, safe and livable. An informed vote will help make this happen. After several postponements, voters have a chance to pick their village officials today. Vote wisely, and guard against election violence.