The barangay election is a local election involving candidates who personally know each other. But according to the Comelec and the Philippine National Police, the barangay election is the most violent and the most bloody of all polls in the country. Election-related violence is expected in far-flung barangays, where candidates often go personal just to destroy the credibility of their opponents, and hopefully win votes.
We can expect members of the same family running against each other. Relatives hurling accusations against another relative, destroying not just the reputation of the opponent but of the entire family. Neighbors killing another neighbor just to win a barangay council seat. How sad, especially when you start thinking that these people are running in the name of "public service".
Anyway, the Comelec is warning candidates to be ready with the required documents when the come to the Comelec office to file their COCs. Incomplete requirements will deem an aspiring candidate to be disqualified. The Comelec also reminds candidates to make sure that they fill up the right forms for their candidacies because those who want to run as barangay captain could end up in the list of candidates for barangay council.
I remember, two elections ago, that one aspiring barangay captain erroneously filled up a form for those running as barangay councilors. He went on to campaign for barangay captain only to be shocked during the election day that his name was not in the list of candidates for barangay chairman but was placed under the choices for barangay councilors.
To all the candidates, good luck in your quest to serve your barangay constituents. Let's all keep the barangay election orderly and peaceful.
