Comelec encourages young registered voters in Bataan to participate in barangay, SK polls

BALANGA CITY— The Commission on Elections (Comelec) encouraged young registered voters in Bataan to participate in the 2018 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections this May 14.

“Elections enable change in government leadership that pushes for development and prevents dictatorships and tyrannies,” COMELEC Balanga City Election Supervisor Melanio Sibayan said during this month’s Pulong Tulong of the Philippine Information Agency Bataan which was attended by studentleaders of Bataan Peninsula State University.

“Filing of Certificates of Candidacy will be from April 14 to 20 while the Campaign Period is from May 4 to 12,” Sibayan added.

Aspirants for Punong Barangay or a member of the Sangguniang Barangay must be at least 18 years of age by election day, a Filipino citizen, a registered voter in the barangay where he or she is running, a resident of that barangay for not less than a year by election day, and able to read and write.

Meanwhile, those who seek to run for SK Chairperson or a SK member must be 18-24 years old by election day, a Filipino citizen, a qualified voter of the Katipunan ng Kabataan, a resident of that barangay for not less than a year by election day, able to read and write, has no relative who is an incumbent official (within second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity), and has not been guilty of an offense involving moral turpitude.

PIA Bataan’s college-based monthly thematic forum is divided into two parts: Pulong focuses on discussion of the chosen theme; and Tulong addresses issues brought out by students and faculty members.

Aside from Comelec, other invited guests this March included Bureau of Fire Protection Balanga City head CInsp. Jaime Robles who gave fire prevention tips and PSI Michelle Gaviola of the Philippine National Police who discussed the province’s anti-drug campaign.

— Mar Jay S. Delas Alas/ PIA-3