Comelec Leyte sets October 18 as deadline for all barangays to givetheir share for barangay elections

“All barangays are required to give their financial contributions relative to the conduct of the forthcoming barangay elections.”

This is what Leyte Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Sabino Mejarito stressed during the 2nd conference and briefing of election deputies in the province held recently at SMED Center Tacloban City. According to him, based on the latest memorandum issued by Comelec Manila, election officers are required to collect a minimum of P10,000 from each barangay or an amount not more than 10 percent of the general fund of the barangays set aside for the Sangguniang Kabataan. The contributions from the barangays will go to the honoraria, transportation allowance and training of the Board of Election Tellers. As provided in Resolution no. 9739, due to the insufficiency of funds appropriated for the conduct of the 2013 barangay elections, the comelec made it necessary to require all government units to set aside such amounts to augment the necessary and reasonable expenses for the successful conduct of the barangay polls.

Mejarito explained a small barangay may give a minimum share, however, big barangays may give more than the P10, 000 minimum contributions and failure to give shall constitute an election offense and shall be penalized. Reports disclosed that there are barangays who have yet to give their contributions. Comelec has set October 18, 2013 as its deadline for all barangays to give their contributions.