Opposition lawmakers buck BSKE postponement

MANILA, Philippines - Progressive and opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives have expressed their vehement objection to President Marcos' signing of a new law, postponing anew the scheduled Nov. 2 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) this year.

"It is not Filipinos who stand to benefit from this repeated railroading of BSKE postponement. Billions of pesos in government funds have been put to waste," House Senior Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima said.

"We will once again deprive our people of their right to vote, and for those to be elected to be given their chance to serve the public. All of these rights that should have been respected, honored and have been sacrificed," De Lima added.

"The BSKE postponement didn't bear reforms, but only worsened systematic patronage," she said.