Should barangay and youth councils be abolished?

EDITORIAL

The usual calls for a postponement barangay and youth council elections are again being aired, mostly by politicians who want to repay political debts or curry favor with incumbent village officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan.

Malacanang officials say President Aquino wants the next barangay and SK elections after the one this October synchronized with the midterm polls in May 2013. This could serve as time for the new administration to review the barangay system and the usefulness of the SK.

Barangay units are allotted public funds and where the allotments had been questioned like the SK system if it is effective in promoting the welfare of the youth. There are mounting proposals from different sectors to abolish youth councils as these have become graft-ridden and used by corrupt politicians. Malacañang could give it serious consideration.

Barangay officials are supposed to facilitate delivery of basic services to the grassroots, including keeping the peace and maintaining clean surroundings in coordination with concerned government agencies.

Barangay officials are also supposed to help settle neighborhood disputes, and assist victims of domestic violence. Since barangay officials are supposed to be familiar with their neighborhoods, they should know people involved in drug trafficking and do something about the problem.

Barangay officials are also supposed to deter squatting by preventing people from encroaching on private property or setting up shanties on public land and along riverbanks. They must also stop construction or extension of private structures on waterways, drainage systems and sidewalks.

The system isn’t working in many parts of the country, particularly urban centers. Taxpayers are spending so much money on this system. Youth councilors have become corrupt and not aware of what the SK does in their communities.

The new administration could add the SK and barangay units to offices and systems that require a thorough overhaul if not abolition. Taxpayer’s money should not be used in furtherance of graft and corruption.