Comelec backs DILG initiative to help voters

An official of the Commission on Elections in Cebu is supporting the initiative of the Department of Interior and Local Government to come up with a guide list to help voters choose the right candidates in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano said the initiative would serve as voters’ education.

“In the first place, usa sab unta na sa trabaho sa Comelec ang voters’ education. Considering nga di namo kaya, we will expect nga naay motabang namo,” Castillano said.

The guide will contain the list of qualities of what a good leader should be. This includes being reliable, sensible, and efficient.

“Mas daghan maka-educate sa atong mga botante mas maayo,” Castillano added.

He said the plan will also make candidates become aware of what they are getting into.

“Dapat kabalo na ka daan. Ang uban, diha na makahibawo sa ilang trabaho igkalingkod na,” he said.

“It’s just proper, nga kung molansar ta, we must be prepared,” Castillano added.

Although some groups are against the DILG initiative, Castillano said they are also entitled to their own opinion.

DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, in a statement, said that one good quality that would make a leader worth voting for is his knowledge of powers and functions, and the limitations of his people.

Malaya also said that they are encouraging the public to go out and vote in the coming barangay elections. He stated that voters should choose candidates well.

“So communities will prosper, be peaceful and safe from the danger of illegal drugs, crime and corruption,” Malaya added.

A list of the good qualities of leaders and village chiefs will be issued before the elections as a guide for voters in helping them choose worthy candidates.