SK polls should push through: Casiple

MANILA - The Institute for Political and Electoral Reform believes Sangguniang Kabataan elections should push through as scheduled alongside the barangay polls. IPER executive director Ramon Casiple said he does not see any sense in separating the SK polls from the scheduled barangay elections next month. He added doing so may only result to poll manipulation. "I would want elections to be held because it's already a problem of institutions. We need regular elections for every position and the SK would not have the mandate after October if it is postponed. If you separate the 2, the tendency would be for incumbent barangay chair to influence the SK elections to his advantage," he said in an ANC interview. Casiple said reforms in the SK system are necessary but noted a review of the SK may still proceed even as the elections are being held. The House of Representatives is scheduled to discuss moves to abolish or postpone the SK elections.