BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental 4th District’s Cong. Juliet Marie Ferrer has filed a bill seeking the postponement of the December 2022 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
The past two years saw several challenges and difficulties due to the coronavirus disease pandemic straining the resources of the government down to the barangays, Ferrer pointed out in her explanatory note for House Bill No. 121.
Ferrer further explained that the country had just concluded the synchronized national and local elections in May; instead of spending on another electoral exercise, the government should direct its resources to programs that address the pandemic and rebuild the economy.
A postponement would mean continuity in the implementation of government programs, she added.
It would also give the Commission on Elections time to preparations for the barangay and SK polls in 2023, stressed Ferrer.
In another development, Ferrer had been elected yesterday as chairwoman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Justice.
She was formerly an ex-officio member of the Judicial and Bar Council, sharing the seat with the Senate Chair of the Justice committee.
Ferrer said it was an honor to be considered, nominated and elected for the prestigious position. She thanked House Speaker Martin Romualdez for his trust and confidence.
As chairwoman of the Justice Committee, Ferrer said she’ll be able to use her background as a lawyer.
“I will be working hard to fulfill my mandate in the service of God and the Filipino people,” said Ferrer./PN
