Appointment of treasurer: No solution arrived in Buot-Taup

CEBU, Philippines - No agreement was reached between Buot-Taup Barangay Captain Rosalita Callino and the five barangay councilmen who opposed the appointment of the barangay treasurer.

The City Council committee of three composed of Councilors Edgardo Labella, Sisinio Andales and Ma. Nida Cabrera called for the initial hearings last week after councilmen Richard Bacayan, Rogelio Cabrillos, Ricardo Cabrera, Constituto Bacayam and Donardo Labitad opposed the appointment of Maritess Morales.

During the hearing, Labitad told Labella that they want Morales out for she will allegedly bring dishonor to the position. She said there are other barangay workers and residents in Buot-Taup who are more qualified to sit as treasurer.

“Mao ra unya na ang momansa sa pangalan sa barangay. Si Marites, arogante kaayo ug sugarol pa gyud. Mao na ang hinungdan nga dili gyud mi niya gusto,” Labitad told The FREEMAN after their hearing.

Callino, however, insisted that she cannot simply kick Morales out. She also suggested either to swap Morales and barangay secretary Annaliza Dalot or to replace Morales with her husband.

“Wala ko’y mailis nga lain,” Callino said. She, however, did not elaborate why she can only replace Morales with the latter’s husband.

The five councilmen ran under the ticket of former barangay captain Ritchie Sibla in the 2010 barangay elections, but Sibla lost to Callino. During Sibla’s term as barangay captain, Callino was with the majority. Labella said the conflict must be settled considering that the position of treasurer is vital to the operation of the barangay.

The power to appoint secretary and treasurer is exercised jointly by the barangay captain and barangay council.

Labella, however, said that the appointees whose concurrence are still pending before the barangay council, shall be allowed to discharge of and perform the powers, duties and responsibilities pertaining to the office and shall be considered to be holding temporary appointment so as not to disrupt the delivery of public service.

Memorandum Circular No. 150 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) states that barangay councilors who “obstinately refuse to concur to the appointments of the punong barangay without a valid and legal cause” also have the risk of being charged for abuse of authority.

The DILG said that the councilors shall “simply determine whether or not the appointee of the Punong Barangay possesses all the qualifications…any withholding of concurrence by the Sangguniang Barangay shall be considered whimsical, arbitrary and unjustifiable, and would thus be tantamount to abuse of authority.” — (FREEMAN)