The voice of ABC
It remains to be seen whether Mabolo, Cebu City barangay captain Prisca Niña Mabatid has enough grounds that would back up the case she is set to file questioning the legality of Kasambagan barangay captain Franklyn Ong’s election as the new Association of Barangay Councils president.
What is now clear is Ong, barring any legal order preventing him from assuming the post, has been recognized as the winner in the election despite the non-participation of Mabatid’s camp, which boycotted the polls.
Mabatid and her lineup walked out of the venue before the voting, questioning the presence of Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Ong’s main supporter. They will reportedly set to petition the Department of Interior and Local Government to invalidate Ong’s election. They contended there was no election taking place since they never participated in the voting.
Well, we have to leave the decision to the proper venue should Mabatid push through with her complaint. What really mattered was that legal process was being followed in the election and the ABC was able to come up with new leadership.
Now, what will happen to Mabatid and to other barangay captains identified with the opposition? Will Osmeña continue to go after them? The mayor, given his style, will likely shut them out of barangay projects and programs.
If Osmeña will close the door on opposition barangays, Ong should step in and help them get projects from the city. As ABC president, he should see to it that all barangays should be treated equally in the distribution of Osmeña’s projects and programs.
Ong’s job is not only limited to pushing Osmeña’s undertaking at the City Council being an ex-officio member. He has a far bigger mission to accomplish, which is to help every barangay, whether pro-Osmeña or not, get their share of the pie.
It was Ong who called for everyone to move on, saying majority of barangay captains have already made their decisions. Given such reconciliatory gesture, he should be expected to fully perform his job as the voice of the association, including its opposition members.