Tomorrow is Election Day, barangay elections that is. On most areas voters rejoice. Their palms will be greased with money. The pen will not write until it is oiled. The barangay is the microcosm of the Republic of the Philippines but in a way it is the core of the Philippine political psyche, with variations, whatever that means. The people to be elected are the punong barangay, eight kagawads or councilmen, an SK chairperson and SK councilpersons. The basis of their election is popularity. Or money. Competence can go hang. Of one is not popular, he can make it up with money, the more unpopular, the more money needed to be elected. With civic spirit non existent and moral fiber weak, one will not know what to expect. As law would have it, that means the Local Code of 1991, the punong barangay is to be the chief executive, president of the lawmaking body, the barangay council, commander of the law enforcement and chief judge of the barangay court. This means, he has to have administrative, legislative, judiciary and police skills. He works 24/7 with an income a fraction of what a casual municipal employee earns.

His consolation is he is addressed as Cap, the Big Honcho. Numero Uno, Top Rooster flattered by .local politicians and treated with indifference if not disdained by a few of his constituents. Oh, there are perks not enjoyed by all so he is head and shoulders above the common herd. Therefore, he must either be a devoted public servant or dedicated idiot. Unfortunately he has to show something in his incumbency. As for being one of the kagawads, all he has is how to read and write, spend 20 to 100 pesos per voter even if he does not know the way to the barangay hall or spell “resolution”. That will come later. He must only be present in sessions, which is twice a month, keep his mouth shut and look wise. In CVACs, which is rare, all he does is show his face. What a happy state of affairs. The SKs should stay in school. Someday there might be a law that will allow SKs to study under scholarships and learn something useful instead of dirtying their hands and faces in the dog eat dog arena of Philippine politics. They may hold discos, basketball and takyan tournaments in vacations and holidays. In rare occasions, there may be barangays who elect retirees as barangay officials and avail of the wealth of experience and dedication. Those people are willing to make their sunset days useful without regard to compensation. Perhaps the wish for a Utopian type of barangay is far fetched but it may depend upon the voters. It is the voters who make the barangay, not the other way around.