By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Surigao del Norte second district Rep. Robert Barbers, who was in Isabela yesterday as guest of honor for the groundbreaking for Tinongan National High School, said he is optimistic the bill he authored seeking the postponement of the upcoming barangay elections will be passed by the House of Representatives.

He noted, a caucus on his proposed bill was held last Tuesday and it is expected to be tackled during their plenary session next week.

Barbers added, the initial bill proposed postponement until 2022, however a majority of Congress opted for 2018. Additionally, the bill also originally sought appointment powers to replace barangay officials, but the consensus in Congress called for a holdover of incumbent barangay officials.

The congressman said, “99 percent of congressmen are for postponing the barangay polls.”/DGB, WDJ