With the upcoming May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections approaching, one can feel the intervention of incumbent politicos trying to push their bets. As always, candidates are seeking financial backing from mayors, vice mayor, and councilors – even higher officials. Some might call it “normal;” however, it’s more like an “exchange deal” for the 2019 elections.

According to an engineer, who was sitting with friends for coffee, this is the primary reason the barangay elections were called a year prior to the midterm polls. However, a teacher asked, what have barangay officials done for their respective communities? Despite issues of corruption, they keep quiet – as it is the leaders that keep them happy.

A priest noted, barangay officials are mostly unproductive and even not truly qualified to be leaders; he added, their election typically depends on who has the most relatives in the neighborhood.

“Many are there for a living and not service,” the priest said.

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This column salutes the Negros Occidental provincial government for the success of the ongoing Panaad sa Negros Festival, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The event is a tourist attraction that brings thousands into the province.

Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6) director, Atty. Helen Catalbas, is surely supportive of the annual festival.

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Various government agencies, including DOT, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Land Transportation Office, and various local governments, are busy ensuring the safe closure of Boracay.

With this closure, there will be losses to local businesses, including airlines and bus companies, but do not blame the president. Blame the crooks in government for tolerating such violations.

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This column greets Liezl Torres, Presaly delos Reyes, Rodel Guinoo, Francis Redil Villanueva, Jane Javellana, Mae Panes, Ray Tabafunda, Boyet Ortaliz, and Toto Cua Locsin./WDJ