EDITORIAL – Election Day

Following several postponements these past years, millions will troop to polling stations across the country to select a new set of barangay and youth officials in what is considered to be one of the most controversial electoral exercises in the country.

Controversial because even before today's election started to gather steam, it has already been tied to the government's campaign against the illegal drug trade, the reason why President Rodrigo Duterte wanted it postponed.

Since early last year, the Duterte administration had been pushing for the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. He feared that drug syndicates might use their money and influence to propel their candidates to victory.

As a legislative measure seeking to postpone the election failed to make a dent at the Senate, poll preparations have skyrocketed in full swing. But the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency released a list containing barangay officials across the country who are allegedly involved in the drug trade.

The PDEA list, which contained hundreds of barangay officials, only confirms Duterte's fear that drug money might influence the outcome of today's election. However, it remains to be seen whether the list would create a significant impact on today's electoral exercises.

But whether or not drug money plays a vital role in this election, its outcome will always depend upon how the electorate voted. It is the voters that would decide the election's direction as they are set to elect the next leaders of the barangay, the smallest unit of local government.

Therefore, it is important for the voters to be aware of the background of each candidate. Of course, a barangay is just a tiny LGU that voters very well know about the candidate's personal life. But just because they personally know the candidate from head to foot does not always guarantee that such candidate adheres to the principle of clean governance.

As the electorate goes out to perform the mandate of exercising their right to suffrage, it is the hope of the nation that those who will emerge victorious have the capability to serve the public well.