Barangay officials reminded on
prohibition in serving as poll watchers
By MYLES JOSEPH E. COLASITO
February
23, 2007
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – To
help diffuse possible political tension in polling places, barangay officials
were reminded not to act as watchers for political parties or any other
organization in connection with the May 2007 elections.
DILG-08 Regional Director
William C. Paler said the prohibition is contained in Comelec Resolution 7798
dated January 5, 2007. This covers Punong Barangays, Barangay Kagawads,
Barangay Secretaries, Barangay Treasurers and Barangay Tanods, who are banned
from serving as chairmen or members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs)
or as official watchers of any candidate, duly registered major political party
or any other socio-civic, religious or professional organizations in the May 14,
2007.
The Comelec resolution
reiterates an earlier Executive Order Number 94 on March 2, 1987. The
resolution was issued in reaction to numerous complaints in the past regarding
the involvement of barangay officials in proceedings inside polling precincts,
which heightened political tension and caused delays in counting.
The resolution likewise
forbids barangay officials from staying inside the polling place except to cast
their vote. They are to leave the area immediately after casting their ballots.
There are 1,390 barangays in
the six provinces, four cities and 139 municipalities region-wide, and around
42,000 in all nationwide.
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DILG reminds its officers and employees to observe political neutrality
