Atty. Romulo Macalintal — File photo
MANILA, Philippines — Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal expressed confidence that the measure postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Nov. 2 has not yet been signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
He made the pronouncement on Wednesday after the Office of the President (OP) said, in an email sent to him, that it is reviewing his supplemental letter-petition for a Presidential veto.
Macalintal’s letter was transmitted and received by the OP on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
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“Clearly, it indicates the bill is under deep study by the President and opens a genuine possibility for a veto. Otherwise, the Office of the Appointments Secretary would not even say that my request is under evaluation and I will be updated soon,” Macalintal said in a statement.
READ: Macalintal to Marcos: Veto bill postponing BSKE
The House of Representatives adopted the Senate’s version of a bill, which extends the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to five years last Sept. 16, sending it straight to the OP for executive action.
Once signed into law, the bill would automatically postpone the BSKE and move it to the second Monday of Nov. 2028.
Macalintal maintained that the bill was “unconstitutional, vague, and defective” as it violates the constitutional right of suffrage.
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According to him, Congress apparently lapsed and overlooked the distinction between the “term” and “tenure” of barangay officials.
“Indeed, postponing the polls yet again and extending the terms of incumbent barangay and SK officials on holdover capacity effectively deprives voters of their right to choose their grassroots leaders without any compelling or proper legal basis,” he expressed.
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He added, “Such holdover is in the nature of a legislative appointment which is contrary to the constitutional requirement that barangay officials must be elected and not appointed.”
Macalintal said he looks forward to personally meeting the president and his legal advisers to discuss his concerns about the measure.
He did not further mention the nature and details of the said meeting. /mr
