The city government of Manila on Friday urged registered voters in the nation’s capital to participate in the nationwide Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and be prudent in their choice of future “frontliners in the government’s structure.”
“Sa nagdaang ilang araw ng kampanya, sana’y napag-aralan nating mabuti kung sino ang sa palagay natin ay pawang karapat-dapat na bigyan ng ating tiwala (In the previous days of campaigning, we hope that you have already assessed carefully who we think deserves our trust),” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said in a recorded video message.
She reminded that the winners of the upcoming BSKE will play a “very significant role” in the delivery of public service to the communities, and thus prudence must be exercised by voters.
“Sila ang mas agad nating nalalapitan at natatakbuhan. Sila ang mas malapit at kilala natin. Kaya’t pahalagahan natin ang ating boto (They are the ones that we can immediately go or run to. They are closer to us and we know them. That’s why we should value our votes),” she added.
Lacuna also urged all running candidates to be gracious in accepting the turnout of the Oct. 30 polls, noting the need for fair and peaceful elections.
“Buong pagpapakumbaba nating tanggapin ang hatol ng ating mga nasasakupan (Let’s be humble in accepting the verdict of our constituents). Be magnanimous in victory, gracious in defeat,” she said.
Lacuna signed on Thursday Executive Order No. 34 for the implementation of a liquor ban starting Oct. 29 to Nov. 2.
This means all selling and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited to ensure the peaceful conduct of BSKE, as well as the Undas 2023.
Manila Public Information Office (PIO) chief Princess Abante warned that liquor ban violators may be subject to at least one year to six-year imprisonment under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code.
The Manila Police District (MPD) has also assured of adequate deployment of police forces for the BSKE and Undas.
Undas refers to the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.
Pick deserving bets
An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday urged registered voters to elect candidates who have the heart to genuinely serve their communities.
Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, CBCP vice president, said the people have the privilege to choose their leaders in the barangay and use it wisely.
“Go out and vote for candidates who are honest, who are credible,” he said in an article posted on the CBCP news website.
The Pasig prelate is in Rome for a major Vatican summit on “synodality”.
“Fill (your ballots with people) with integrity, those who can really help in our barangays and our nation. Let us fulfill our obligations as citizens,” he said.
Comelec records show there are 67.8 million registered voters for the village polls while registered youth voters are at 23.2 million.
The poll body is looking to achieve at least 75 percent voter turnout. (PNA)
Photo credit: Facebook/ManilaPIO/
