Good Morning Judge: The SK and Barangay Elections

AS the barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan elections draw near, reports of intense rivalry among the candidates have resulted to violence and even death of candidates in some areas as in the case of the reported gunning down of a candidate for barangay captain. In a press interview with PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde in Baguio City the other day, it was reported that he admitted law enforcers “can no longer achieve a violence-free election” in May 14. He reportedly noted that despite higher police visibility across the country in the run-up to the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls, the PNP still recorded 15 violent crimes deemed election-related as of May 4. Here in our region, Masbate has been classified as “hot spot” along with the provinces of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Abra. Reports are that in places considered as “hot spots”, the Board of Election Tellers (BET) shall be composed of policemen instead of teachers as it used to be. This writer is happy to note, however, that the province of Camarines Sur has not been placed in the “hot spot” category. The reports that Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno is intending to end her leave of absence and return back to her duties as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court this coming Friday, May 11, is creating some grave concern among associate justices of the Supreme Court. One concern includes primarily if Associate Justice Carpio who has been chosen by his peers as Acting Chief Justice would yield his position and give way to Sereno. As it is, the perceived wranglings among the associate justices of the tribunal is beginning to weaken the court as an institution. TRIVIA: Birthday greetings to our AdeNU high school ‘54 batch mate Frank Timoner of Daet, Camarines Norte who will be celebrating his Nth birthday anniversary this coming May 14. Some members of his batch are planning to go to Daet upon invitation of Frank this coming Saturday for a luncheon-fellowship. Congratulations to all THE MOTHERS on the occasion of their big day, Mother’s Day, this coming Sunday May 13. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “NO MASTER BUT THE LAW, NO GUIDE BUT CONSCIENCE NO AIM BUT JUSTICE”. JUSTICE JBL REYES FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “THE WAY OF THE CULPRIT IS CROOKED, BUT THE CONDUCT OF THE INNOCENT IS RIGHT,” PROVERBS 22:8