Press Release
September 20, 2017

NO TO POSTPONEMENT
OF BARANGAY AND SK ELECTIONS

Akbayan Sen. Risa Hontiveros

Mr. President,

I vote no to another postponement of the barangay and SK elections.

I vote no to the postponement of elections based on the flimsiest reasons, unsubstantiated by evidence, and motivated only by the President's desire and intent to have full control over the barangays.

I vote no to holding hostage the legitimate exercise of the democratic rights of our citizens and our youth to choose their barangay and youth leaders.

I vote no to stretching too far the mandate of our incumbent barangay officials to the point of compromising their legitimacy and authority to govern.

I vote no to continuously allowing a leadership vacuum in the Sangguniang Kabataan which deprives our youth of engagement in participatory barangay governance and youth development processes.

I vote no to wasting the people's money, where such valuable resources can be effectively used by the barangays to meet the development needs of their constituents.

I vote no because I have faith in our Armed Forces of the Philippines to put an end to the conflict in Mindanao and its capacity to contain any attempt by armed groups to disrupt the holding of a peaceful and orderly elections.

I vote no because I trust that the Commission of Election is prepared, funded and enabled to administer clean, honest and credible elections as planned.

And finally, I vote no because, unlike this admistration, I have confidence that our citizens would use their right to vote to choose the leaders who will serve them best.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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