“The elections will definitely push because we think there is not enough time to pass a law that would again postponed the elections,” said Aldwin B. Reyes, DILG local government operations officer V, during the media forum “Talk Widus” organized by the Pampanga Press Club at the Widus Hotel and Casino here on Wednesday. He said the DILG has launched a voters’ information and education campaign which is the department’s main focus prior to the elections.
Reyes also said as far as the DILG is concern, the department will monitor the elections and ensure its safe conduct and after the winners have been officially proclaimed, the DILG will make sure that they will be “capacitated through the newly elected officials program.”
The DILG also launched the “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahang Barangay and the SK officials campaign” that is meant to inform voters of choosing the right candidates.
Reyes explained that the campaign means that the candidates are not corrupt and are against illegal drugs and other vices, competent and disciplined, and have no connection with illegal organizations or groups.
He said the candidates should be competent by presenting their platforms of government for progress and peace and should be role models in their communities by following the rule of law and showing good manners and right conduct.
Reyes said this campaign is being waged online and other means in the media.
There are 3,102 barangays in Central Luzon that would elect the same number of village chiefs and youth leaders whose qualifying age ranges from 18 to 24 years old only.
Atty. Pilipinas D. Baclayen, DILG regional legal officer, said all candidates must be Filipino citizens, able to read and write, at least 18 years of age on election day, registered voters and residents of the barangays for at least one year where they aspire for positions.
Baclayen also pointed out that the SK candidate should not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any elective official.
The election period is set from April 14 to May 21 as per the calendar of activities from the Comelec, according to Baclayen.
The gun ban will also be implemented during the election period as well as prohibitions on construction and maintenance of barangay funded roads and bridges, she said.
Reyes said there are no reported election hotspots in Central Luzon as of the moment as the DILG will also ensure the peaceful and orderly elections through the Philippine National Police.
