Some people believe that the recent electoral contests for the .
Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan positions are not really that .
important, since it only deals with a smaller number of people, .
and so it does not really have a big impact on the country's fate, .
unlike those elections that would determine the individuals who would hold national positions.
On the contrary, the election last monday is as important. the .
positions at stake may be the smallest cells in the body politic-- .
the smallest but not necessarily the least vital.
Despite the misgivings about the efficacy of the SK, as it still .
exists as an institution, in a way, it compels the voters to at .
least find the "better candidate" to head the barangay and SK slots.
The Barangay captains are not just present for the sake of having .
one in a community. the position was not just formulated instantly .
as to add to the numerous positions that we already have. The barangay .
captains are looked up to with much expectation because.
they can be considered as the "presidents" in their respective communities.
They are expected to be the best persons that they can be-- building .
and healing relationships in their communities, intervening at certain .
times in family and neighborly disagreements and in helping settlements .
of business disputes in their localities.
They are also expected to make sure that basic services are .
not denied to the people who voted them to office. They are expected .
to be vigilant in protecting their constituents against abuse and .
different forms of crimes against people and property.
Yes, they are expected to be this and that. To be exactly the .
people we envisioned them to be. But these barangay captains are .
no super heroes. They are still human beings just like us and just .
like us, they also have their own weaknesses and their own share .
of shortcomings. They may even be tempted at one time or another .
to do the exact opposite of what we deem to be right.
