Manila barangay insists on proof of character  

MANILA, Philippines — A barangay in Manila will continue enforcing its ordinance requiring new tenants and transferees to show proof of good moral character before transferring and living there, despite the ordinance being declared unconstitutional by the city council.

Barangay 731, Zone 80’s Ordinance 006 “infringes on one’s constitutional right to liberty of abode as well as the statutory right of ownership,” the city council said.

Barangay captain Ariel Dakis defended the measure, saying they want to protect the barangay from criminals.

He cited that he once received a flood of complaints against a transferee who turned out to be a scammer.

He said they do not prohibit anyone from transferring to their barangay, just that they should show proof of good moral character.

“Wala pong pipigil sa kanilang tumira dito, pero he has to observe the rules of our barangay,” Dakis told The STAR yesterday.

He also questioned why the city council only tackled the barangay ordinance last week, when they passed the measure in July 2022 and submitted a copy to the city government the following month.

The Local Government Code states that the city government shall give feedback on a barangay ordinance within 30 days or it will automatically be deemed approved and for enforcement.