ABC to bring BMO issue to Palace

CEBU, Philippines - The Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu City is planning to file a complaint before the Office of the President over the creation of the Barangay Mayor's Office (BMO) which allegedly "duplicates" the function of the barangay.

ABC Vice President and Apas Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman found out that the City Health Department has included the BMO in its organizational structure. The office is headed by Dr. Luz Flora Yap, Dr. Marlo Maamo, and Peter Visitacion, who is also the head of the Long Life Medical Assistance Program.

"Para nako, murag duplication sa function. In fact, ang DILG niingon nga dili pwede. But wala nila giangkon sa administration. Mo-file mi og complaint sa Office of the President about aning sa creation of BMO. Collate pa mi og facts ani," Ayuman said.

Ayuman was referring to the legal opinion of Director Rene Burdeos, regional director of the Department of Interior and Local Government-7, that no office should duplicate the function of the barangays.

 The city government, however, denied the existence of the BMOs in the barangays. According to the city government, what was created in the barangays is the Cebu City Disaster Control Center.

Burdeos clarified that neither the Disaster Control Center nor the BMO should usurp the functions of the barangay. Ayuman said it is only proper that the Office of the President should look into the matter.

Ayuman said he is more concern on the distribution of the free medicine to the constituents rather than the duplication of function.

"Dili trained ang mga manghatag. Under na sa BMO ang long life. That's illegal kay even nurses, dili kapataka og dispense og medicines kun walay authority sa BFAD. Dako nga insult na sa mga pharmacist nga licensed sila unya kining mga volunteers, dili pa gyod trained," he said.

Last Friday, Ayuman said the ABC issued a resolution asking the Bureau of Food and Drugs Administration to look into the matter.

"Ang ABC sa among last meeting, nag hangyo sa BFAD to look into this illegal malpractice sa mga volunteer nga mga health worker nga manghatag og tambal. Mohatag gani og permit for sampling ang BFAD. Unsa nalang aning free medicines nila," he said.

Ayuman is urging his fellow barangay captains to look into the distribution of free medicines and stop it if there is no permit. He said that volunteers should be brought to the nearest police station if they cannot present a permit.

"Ang dispensing tambal kay lisod na kun masayop. Daghang maangin ana," he said.

Ayuman also criticized the City Health Department for not properly disposing the unused syringes.

In his official Facebook account, Ayuman posted photos of several boxes of unused syringes that were stored at the back of the CHD office. He said he went to CHD early morning on Friday to verify the report.

"Kining mga used syringes, gikan sa barangay health centers ug laing mga sentro maoy ingon sa gwardya. Pagtan-aw nako, kuyaw kaayo kay wala gi-seal. Daghan gyod kaayo. Gikan sa barangay unya ipadala sa CHD. And sila ang mo-dispose," he said.

Ayuman said he will ask City Councilor Joel Garganera to investigate the matter considering that syringes are considered hazardous waste.

"Open pa gyod ang area, duol sa basuran so dilikado. Basig naay matunok or naay mokuha ana dinha. Open ra gyod ang mga boxes. Kita moingon nga follow sa rules, pero dili ta mismo mo-follow. Lisod ug dilikado kaayo ni kay hazardous mani nga butang. So, i-dispose properly gyud ni," he added.

CHD chief Dr. Alma Corpin refused to comment on Ayuman's allegation. (FREEMAN)