Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario has asked local government officials to be non-partisan even as he urged them to help ensure the conduct of an honest, orderly, and peaceful barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 25.
Invoking the ‘non-partisan’ nature of the barangay election, Del Rosario reminded local officials to refrain from using their party machineries, much more government resources to support candidates the governor told members of the Barangay Development Council of Tuganay, Carmen, Davao del Norte, who were formulating their barangay development plan.
Del Rosario said the elections are for the smallest unit of government and is meant to change local leaders who are corrupt and inefficient.
He added that the new society being espoused by President Benigno Aquino III entails the collaborative efforts of the national and local government units, as well as the engagement of all sectors, particularly the private sector in support of the programs and thrust of the president. He added that the coming barangay elections should produce a new generation of officials who fully support our President in bringing about a new system of corrupt-free government service to the people, especially the poor.
The governor warned the barrio folks to be wary of candidates who resort to vote-buying to get elected into office. In the end, he said it is the people who will eventually lose as they will suffer the consequences of selling their votes.
The Commission on Elections said local officials can support certain candidates only in their personal capacity.
As such, no political party, political coalition or similar organizations should intervene, participate or represent any candidate in these polls.
Del Rosario said he is not going to officially endorse anyone out of respect for the people’s will.
“Let the will of the barangay people prevail. Not because of the influence or financial support coming from political parties or public officials,” he said.
