With the barangay elections over, is there an expectation of positive development in our respective communities? Given how such traditions are never non-partisan, no such thing will ever happen. Any would-be city, town, and provincial elected official entering the scene next year already has their respective choice of barangay officials ready to ensure new candidates have their own backing to ensure victory.
The cost of barangay elections – which has left many questioning why it takes millions and millions of pesos to win a barangay-level seat – were apparently shouldered by incumbent officials who are dreaming of re-election next year. Many also suspect these new barangays officials were prepared by those currently holding office. Why invest so much to win a seat intended to service the “common tao?” How will they recover their expenses?
For decades, it has been believed a position in the barangay leads to modest fame and fortune, an engineer noted.
Imagine, mayors and councilors fear losing good relations with barangay officials, a priest added. Mayors and governors are afraid of barangay officials and even bow to these local bosses since they need them for their re-election campaigns.
No matter how strong the president, the engineer stated. There are always ways for politicians to engage in corruption.
There are many ways to kill a cat, said the priest. Elections are a business venture and politicians need millions to be re-elected.
A teacher then asked, but how do they make money?
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A few days back, Harold Brian Geronimo of the Megaworld Corporation messaged me to request my presence at the groundbreaking for the Bacolod Welcome Park, located within their new township development along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road. Hats off to tycoon Andrew Tan!
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This column greets Nico Velasquez, Ray Tabafunda, Rene Cortum, Rey Gomez, Kate Brios, Mike Javelosa, Francis Velez, Jerry Sy, Orson Ong, Vicky Que, Marilou Montalbo, Archie Gupalor, Natnat Pugales, Alex Roleda, Neil Concepcion, Dondi Yapjoco, and Analyn Aizpuru./WDJ