They need to be elected because their (barangay officials’) authority emanates from the people,” Quimbo said in a text message. “If indeed barangay officials are involved in the illegal drug trade, then cases should have been long filed against them. For Lagman, existing laws providing that all barangay elected officials should serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified, unless they have been dismissed for cause, should be followed. “If we will have to postpone, then this will now be the second year of extension of the incumbent barangay officials. Asked if he was willing to grant Duterte appointive powers to choose barangay officials, Pimentel pointed out that appointive power is by default placed in the President.

Source: Manila Times March 24, 2017 16:52 UTC