Atty. Samson So Tan of the Liceo de Cagayan University College of Law described repeated deferrals of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections as a direct threat to democratic principles that deprives citizens of their constitutional right to select local leaders.
Tan contended that postponing local polls suppresses public demand for administrative reform and new leadership in grass-roots communities.
He argued that repeatedly extending terms forces unwanted officials upon local electorates, cautioning that preserving regular democratic transitions is vital for national governance.
