16/07/2025
With Utmost Respect, An Appeal to Our National Leaders:
Since the Term Setting Proposal began almost two years ago, the lack of coordinated information from national leaders as to where the measure is headed, along with a knee-jerk approach to preparations regarding the Barangay and SK Elections, have deeply caused a division within barangay officials and their constituents.
Since its inception, sides have been chosen, opposing views were spoken, and an indelible scar have been left due to the polarizing nature of the proposed bill. Now on it's final stage of the legislative process, the growing political tension amongst incumbent barangay officials and prospective candidates, are hampering long-term planning and services that should have inured to the benefit of the people.
What they need, and deserve, is a clear and transparent information of what the national government plans to do with the bill – Ipapasa po ba or Hinde po. Two years have taken it's toll, although we understand that it's nearing the end.
Barangay officials are resilient, capable and experienced. They are mature enough to understand if the bill is vetoed and should there be elections this year, they are ready to fight. “Nagsilbi kami, lalaban kami.”
As for aspiring barangay leaders, they too have a stake in all this. Some, if not many, have been castigated already as political enemies, further dividing what two years could have spent building unity and cooperation within communities around the country. They too, are ready to serve, “handa rin kami.”
And in case the proposed measure is Passed, we are only talking of a one year extension and election. It neither adds nor lessens to the initial promise of the measure. The people will accept. Community energy will be spent on the positive. So let it be.
Your barangay is your asset. They are not just frontliners in the delivery of basic services to the people, they are your true partners in the development of the nation.
Thank you and God Bless.
And, With Assurances of High Esteem.
Excerpts from the opinion of…
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SBT Host Butch Serrano
