When an issue is close to their turf, Representatives have no problem defying President Rodrigo Duterte and asserting their independence.

Despite the President’s endorsement for the appointment of Officers-in-Charge (OICs) to replace incumbent elected barangay officials, the Members of the House in an all-party caucus unanimously rejected the President’s proposal.

It was agreed that the barangay elections, which previously had been reset to 30 October 2017, should again be postponed to May 2018 but retaining the standard hold over provision that incumbents should remain in office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified, unless removed or suspended for cause.

Barangay officials are classified by the Constitution as “elective local officials” who are installed to office by electoral mandate, not appointment.

It is for this reason that laws on barangay elections invariably include a hold over provision.

EDCEL C. LAGMAN