Barangay chief’s 2-month ‘absence’ questioned

CEBU, Philippines – A barangay councilman of Jagobiao, Mandaue City wants the City Council to investigate the alleged two-month absence of their barangay chief.

Councilman Leo Alfred Forones, in a letter to the council dated January 7, asked the body to conduct an investigation why Barangay Captain Ma. Editha Montesa has “missed to perform her duties and functions” since November 5 last year even without an official leave of absence.

Forones, the barangay’s first-ranked councilman, accused Montesa of violating Section 47 (a) (4) of the Local Government Code.

The section provides that "leaves of absence of a punong barangay shall be approved by the city or municipal mayor; leaves of absence of sangguniang barangay members shall be approved by the punong barangay."

"As evidence(d) by Session Minutes...the punong barangay, Hon. Ma. Editha Montesa, (has not) been (around) since November 5 up to the present and can no longer be found holding office," Forones' letter read.

Forones further said he has a "strong and reasonable ground" to believe that Montesa's health problem is "not ordinary, but of permanent and serious nature," and that she cannot anymore discharge her functions and duties as barangay chief.

The councilman also questioned the letter of Montesa dated November 17 designating fifth-ranked councilman Gerardo Lim as acting presiding officer, saying it is "invalid."

Forones cited Section 49 (b) of LGC: "In the event of the inability of the regular presiding officer to preside at a sanggunian session, the members present and constituting a quorum shall elect from among themselves a temporary presiding officer. He shall certify within 10 days from the passage of ordinances enacted and resolutions adopted by the sanggunian in the session over which he temporarily presided."

The FREEMAN is yet trying to reach Montesa’s camp.

The City Council in its session yesterday referred Forones’ letter to the Committee on Good Government for investigation. (FREEMAN)