By Genalyn D. Kabiling
President Duterte has directed the military and police to ensure a peaceful and credible barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections next month.
The President issued Memorandum Order No. 21 granting the Commission on Election’s request for his concurrence in the deputation of law enforcement agencies and other government instrumentalities, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the synchronized elections on May 14.
“The foregoing law enforcement agencies and other concerned government agencies are hereby directed to coordinate and cooperate with the Comelec in the performance of their duties and functions,” Duterte said in the memorandum.
The poll body had earlier adopted Resolution No. 10207 seeking to tap the military and police for the elections.
The memorandum noted that under the Constitution, the Comelec is empowered to deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and other government units “for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.”
The elections will be held on the second Monday of May 2018 after being postponed last October 2017.
The memorandum was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea in behalf of the President last April 13.
Duterte had warned against the poll victory of barangay officials linked to the illegal drugs trade. The President, however, refused to make a decision on whether or not the barangay elections should push through lest he is accused anew of having dictatorial tendencies. He said it was up to Congress to decide on the matter.
“I’ll just give you the caveat, marami dito manalo na suportado ng drug money. Ngayon, bahala kayo,” Duterte said.
