By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya said he favors having existing barangay officials held over instead of appointed, which, if the bill postponing the upcoming barangay elections passes, would give President Rodrigo Duterte the power to designate officials.
In a recent interview, he noted, most members of Congress also favor leaving current barangay officials at their posts.
Gasataya also said it would be “much easier” to hold them over.
The congressman pointed out, with appointments, there are still several guidelines that need to be implemented.
He added, the bill, House Bill 5359, is currently still being deliberated at the committee level, however, it is expected to be tackled when Congress reconvenes later this month.
It was recently reported, Bacolod City Liga ng mga Barangay (Liga) President and Barangay Tangub Captain Noli Villarosa also favors keeping incumbent barangay officials in their positions, noting his group is pushing for an executive order to hold over current officeholders if the bill passes.
Meanwhile, Kabalikat ng Mamamayan (Kabayan) Party-list Rep. Harry Roque previously said he is sure the House of Representatives will approve HB 5359, although he prefers appointing barangay officials as there is no legal basis for a holdover./WDJ