Village execs should be appointed, not elected, says Comelec chair

COTABATO City—commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Sixto Brillantes would rather village officials be appointed instead of electing them.

“It is not only cumbersome and expensive, it’s truly problematic in the commission,” Brillantes said.

The veteran election lawyer, who was here recently for the launching of the ARMM Electoral Reform Summit, said, “the exercise is not only expensive but so problematic. In fact, we still have so many unresolved barangay election cases pending at the office.”

Brillantes did not say how much would be needed to hold village polls which were scheduled in October next year.

“If I were to decide, it would be more convenient and reasonable that officials in the barangays are appointed,” said Brillantes whose proposal the poll body would endorse to Congress and Malacañang.

There were mixed reactions to the Brillantes move, but majority of elected incumbents appear to be supportive of the idea.

“When carried out, it will enhance smoother implementation of programs since the appointees are trusted allies of the appointing authority,” said Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.

Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tocao Mastura looked at the Comelec proposal differently, saying it might be favorable to the governor or mayor appointing his choice of village officials, but if majority of the villagers therein were opposed, “it kills the democratic process by depriving villagers of their right to choose.”

“Personally, this is good for me as the incumbent mayor, but we should respect the constituents. We should listen to them, for we believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God,” said Mastura, Liberal Party provincial chair.