Don’t politicize committee assignments in barangay council

One of the contentious issues during the inaugural session of the barangay council is the committee assignments of members.

There is no denying politics plays a significant role in the selection of committee membership. In many cases, personal connections, loyalties, and alliances within the political landscape influence the distribution of committee positions.

Besides, political maneuvering often takes center stage in committee assignments, leading to potential conflicts of interest and the undermining of objective decision-making.

For instance, Sangguniang Kabataan members who have shown allegiance to certain political parties or leaders like the “punong barangay” tend to be favored to chair or be appointed as members of committees. However, a word of caution, the inexperienced members who are elected or appointed as committee chairs or members may not have the necessary skills or expertise to effectively carry out their responsibilities. As a consequence, the overall effectiveness of the barangay government can be compromised, as decisions are made by committee chairs and members who are not competent yet were elected or appointed based on personal connections with political parties or powers-that-be, like the punong barangay, rather than the best interests of the community. Simply put, the composition of committees should ideally reflect the diverse needs and interests of the barangay population, but politics can skew this balance and hinder fair representation.

Committees that are deemed more prestigious or influential, such as finance or infrastructure, may receive more attention and resources and these are given in a silver platter to members who are pro-administration or who are with the punong barangay. This can lead to neglect or underdevelopment of committees that address crucial areas such as education, health, or social welfare. The skewed allocation of resources can further exacerbate inequalities and hinder the overall progress of the barangay.

The process of selecting committee membership in the barangay is typically guided by its adopted internal rules and procedures. These rules outline the composition of the committees, allocation of chairs and members, the manner of electing or appointing the committee chairs and members, and the criteria for eligibility. The rules often prioritize diversity, ensuring that committees reflect the different sectors and perspectives within the community.

Let us not politicize the committees in the barangay because this can lead to the marginalization of certain sectors, compromise decision-making processes, and hinder the overall development of the barangay. It is crucial for barangay governments to prioritize transparency, observe the principle meritocracy, and enjoin the best interests of the community when allocating committees and electing or appointing members thereof.

REGINALD B. TAMAYO,
Marikina City