President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged the newly elected barangay and youth officials to remain steadfast in their honesty and commitment to the people they serve.
Addressing his fellow public servants in a short video message, Marcos highlighted the vital role they play in shaping Philippine society as he congratulated all the newly elected and re-elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.
"The importance of your role in our society cannot be overstated," Marcos said.
"This is another fresh opportunity for us to serve the Filipino people and our nation wholeheartedly and to the best of our abilities. Let us always be honest at all times. Let us prioritize the welfare of the public, as they are the reason we want to serve the nation," he added.
Marcos also emphasized the need for unity and collective efforts to achieve the vision of a 'Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines),' where every barangay is characterized by peace, happiness, and prosperity.
Referring to the findings of Commission on Elections chairperson George Erwin Garcia, Marcos observed that the elections generally transpired in a relatively peaceful manner.
"Today, we have witnessed a successful and peaceful barangay election and Sanggunian Kabataan election, and your role in our society is highly significant," Marcos said.
"This is once again a fresh opportunity for us to serve the Filipino people and our nation with our whole hearts and to the best of our abilities," he added.
During a press conference held on Monday, Garcia described the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) as "a victory of all sorts" while acknowledging that no election could ever be flawless.
Reports emerged of election-related fatalities, with at least three recorded in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Additionally, thousands of teachers who were initially slated to serve as members of the Board of Election Inspectors withdrew from their duties, particularly in the BARMM and Abra.
When questioned about the reasons behind the teachers' withdrawal, Garcia mentioned their previous encounters with shooting incidents or threats related to their poll work.
Comelec had previously called for a one-week transition period before the proclaimed winners of the 2023 BSKE could assume office. Garcia noted that this decision was influenced by the Supreme Court's ruling, which deemed the postponement of the BSKE to 30 October 2023, as unconstitutional.