MANILA — Malacanang on Tuesday announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill postponing barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations (PCO) Assistant Secretary for Operations and Special Concerns Ana Marie Banaag said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea informed her about the signing of the bill.
”According to Executive Secretary Medialdea, it was already signed by the President but he just have to wait for the aircraft that will bring home the signed law before the proper transmittal to the proper office,” Banaag told the Malacanang media.
President Duterte left on Sunday for a two-day state visit to Brunei. From Brunei, the President will fly to Beijing Tuesday afternoon for a four-day state visit in China.
”It was not said as to whether it was signed in Davao or in Brunei but the Executive Secretary is waiting the parcel for proper transmittal. So we will wait today for transmittal to proper channel,” Banaag said.
A month ago, the Senate and the House of Representatives approved respective bills – SB No. 1112 and HB No. 3504 calling for the postponement of the barangay and SK elections from Oct. 31 this year to Oct. 23 next year.
Earlier, President Duterte pushed for the postponement of the barangay election for fear that drug lords might finance the campaign of the candidates for barangay chairmen.
In the 115th anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard last week, Duterte said there are about 5,000 barangay captains included on his new drug list.
On Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the PHP6 billion allotted for this year’s barangay election will be put on hold “until such time it’s used.” Jelly Musico/PNA-northboundasia.com