Labangon officials want their SK head suspended

CEBU, Philippines - Labangon barangay officials have strongly recommended to the Cebu City Council to suspend their Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Derrick Yap from service for two months without honorarium for unauthorized absences during their sessions on several occasions.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government already advised Labangon Barangay Captain Victor Buendia, head of the Labangon Barangay Council, to first refer the matter to the Cebu City legislators for further action.

DILG-7 Regional Director Ananias Villacorta told Buendia that even if the Labangon SK chairman had committed lapses, due process should still be observed before he may be declared administratively liable for his unauthorized absences and dereliction of duties.

Villacorta reminded Buendia that the Local Government Code specifically provides that for barangay officials, including SK chairmen, it is the City Council that has the authority to hear and decide complaints against them.

The Office of the Ombudsman also exercises concurrent jurisdiction over these officials pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 6770, but usually the anti-graft investigators will just ask the City Council to be the one to investigate complaint against barangay officials if they are not involve grave offenses.

In last Wednesday’s session of the Cebu City legislators, it was agreed that the matter will be referred to the Committee of Three, composed of three city councilors, who will recommend the necessary sanctions if evidence against Yap warrants.

SK chairpersons are required to attend the Barangay Council meeting so they can participate in the deliberation of issues, particularly those involving youth-related matters.  —/BRP (FREEMAN)