Barangay captain challenges Toledo mayor's memo

A barangay captain of Toledo City is questioning the legality of a memorandum issued by Mayor Arlene Zambo that allegedly curtailed the authority granted to barangay captains by the Local Government Code.

Sangi barangay captain Victor Gerongco sent letters of complaint to Ombudsman director Virginia Santiago questioning the legality of Executive Order 11-11-05.

Executive Order 11-11-05, issued by Zambo last Monday, now requires all new barangay tanod and tagapamayapa/tagapagkasundo appointees to pass through the scrutiny of the police chief who will conduct a background check to make sure that they are not infiltrated by "undesirable elements" in the barangay.

"All concerned barangay appointing authorities are hereby directed not to allow anybody appointed to assume their duties and responsibilities until and unless their personal circumstances are verified and given recommending approval by the chief of police to the local chief executive," the memorandum read.

All concerned government offices were also directed not to process the payment of honoraria to barangay personnel unless barangay officials have complied with the order.

Gerongco said this memorandum violates a provision of the Local Government Code, which gives barangays and barangay captains the full authority to appoint members of the lupon and barangay tanods. - Ferliza C. Contratista