By Paulo Loreto Lim
Barangay Tangub Captain Noli Villarosa, who serves as president of the Bacolod City Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) and Negros Island Region (NIR) Liga ng mga Barangay (Liga) chief, announced Liga National President Edmund Abesamis is calling on barangay captains from across the country to meet this week to discuss the proposed postponement of barangay elections and plans by President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint officials.
Abesamis voiced his opposition to the plan, saying it is “against the Constitution,” however, Villarosa said he supports the proposal.
The Liga national president said barangays should not be politicized and stated, “The law provides that the barangay is non-partisan or apolitical.” A similar sentiment was expressed by Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Benitez when he discussed the proposal of mayors appointing barangay officials, saying, “Mayors can appoint but it will bring us back to a political environment.”
Benitez, however, suggested holding over incumbent barangay officials while the appointment process is being worked out.
According to Villarosa, the meeting will begin tomorrow at Resorts World Manila and could run until Thursday./WDJ