Info on Philippine Barangay & SK Elections

I was watching Strictly Politics mindlessly on their discussion about the upcoming barangay and SK elections. Here are the things I learned. Originally, barangays were divided per 5000 residents (for city barangay) and 2000 residents (for municipal barangay) respectively according to the local code (any excess should form another barangay already). This being said, a city could only be called such in the past if it has 5000 residents. Now, the population per barangay determine how much budget they will get. Barangay elections are supposed to be non-partisan (no partylist) and are supposed to be conducted with the least possible expense (no campaigning). It used to be that nobody wants to be elected to this position. The final words of the guest politicians include one who hopes that the barangay can become a dynamic unit of government where people who practice good governance can offer their services to the people. They characterize the barangay as that which "brings the government to your doorstep". The delivery of the most number of basic services and leading your people to a better life makes a good barangay official.

It just made me think of these things.

1.) Some barangays with big voting populations (some even up to 70000, clearly in excess of the 5000) have exceeded the normal population that barangay officials are supposed to handle (looks undermanned, maybe the government compensate it nowadays with a bigger budget). They have a minimum of P300,000 budget so those that have under the minimum population also have a big budget.

Therefore,

fewer corrupt people share a big budget while neglecting people's needs = more money in their pockets = rise in number of people who want the barangay positions; or

fewer corrupt people share a small but fixed budget = more excess money in their pockets = rise in number of people who want the barangay positions.

2.) As they said, country leaders need small leaders and allies to make everything work.

Therefore, this was probably why partylists support candidates even from the barangay level. Well, it makes a little sense if we believe they are not corrupt.

3.) Pimentel on good ethics and business practice - He made a counterproposal for a reduction in the price of dump trucks back when he was still the mayor of Cagayan de Oro. Can he verify and share the same stories, if he carried this ideal up to the senatorial position?

4.) It is either there is BIG money at stake or they really want to serve their country.

5.) The congressmen and politicians who are guests of this program say the power of the barangay is big because the national level is comprised of barangays. They also stress that citizen participation is important. Are the people actually being consulted? We don't even know our small leaders. Maybe the public doesn't want to meddle in the now "private" affairs of the political dynasties in the barangay level.

6.) I must have faith that this country can change for the better but I probably should change first. We are already experts of critique. I should probably join the government but I am currently broke and I am afraid that I will eaten alive unless I CONFORM.

7.) Should I still vote, now that I have no clue who the candidates are?