Liberal Party senators have warned that the postponement of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will pave the way for a no-election scenario in 2019.
Senator Bam Aquino, co-author and co-sponsor of the SK Reform law, said there is no initiative in the Senate and no reason to postpone the Barangay and SK elections again.
“Let us allow the public to vote for the leaders who will fight for them to ensure the safety and comfort of their families,” said Aquino, referring to the House’s move to postpone the village polls to October 2018.
On Monday, the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms voted 14-2 to postpone the Barangay and SK elections, which will be held in May.
Senator Francis Pangilinan noted that the House’s act is an indication that it will railroad moves to amend the 1987 Constitution to pave the way for a shift in the form of government to federalism.
He said this is an indication of the haste to implement changes in the Constitution to do it simultaneous in October, Pangilinan said, adding that moves to amend the Charter should not be hurried.
“Napakahalaga ng ating Saligang Batas para madaliin ang pag-amyenda nito. Kailangan munang konsultahin ang lahat ng sector bago ito gawin upang matiyak na walang maiiwan,” he added.
Pangilinan is visiting different parts of the country to consult different sectors regarding plans to amend the Charter as chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes.
Senator Franklin Drilon said the House’s move proved his earlier revelation about a plot by administration allies in the House of Representatives to railroad the amendment of the 1987 Constitution for a shift to federalism so they can cancel the 2019 elections and extend their terms.
He has earlier cautioned against plans to postpone the village polls to October to coincide with the plebiscite on a new Constitution.