Basak Pardo officials told to explain ‘lapse’

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Legal Office (CLO) has served show cause notice on Barangay Basak Pardo Captain Catalina Cabardo and the barangay council following the office’s verification on the reported gambling session involving about 15 residents in Sitio Ulap last July 3.

“As shown in the pictures, these persons huddled together to witness what is so called ‘hantak,’ which is clearly a violation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine protocols,” read the notice.

There were photos circulating on Facebook showing the conduct of the reported gambling session in the sitio.

Cabardo and the barangay officials were directed by the CLO to show cause within 24 hours from receipt of the notice why she and the Sangguniang Pambarangay members should not be held administratively liable for Gross Negligence and Dereliction of Duty under Section 60 (c) of the Local Government Code of the Philippines and for such other offenses pertaining to such incident on July 3.

“This office sternly warns you that these violations are not taken lightly and we will be referring these acts to the appropriate authorities who can impose the sanctions that may be called for after due investigation,” the show cause notice further read.

Section 2 (e) of Executive Order No. 82 issued by the Office of the Mayor provides that under the ECQ status, there is prohibition on mass gatherings.

Mass gatherings such as but not limited to movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities, community assemblies, religious gatherings, and non-essential work gatherings shall be prohibited.

“It is apparent from the occurrence that the barangay has been too complacent in implementing the clear mandate of the law and has been negligent in its duty to enforce the Executive Order. Section 3 of the said Executive Order provides that the Barangay Officials are mandated to implement to the fullest extent the directives of the Executive Order and that each barangay should establish checkpoints in strategic areas of their respective jurisdictions, in close coordination with law enforcement agencies,” the notice read. GAN (FREEMAN)