Pardo village chief sued for refusal to issue clearance

CEBU, Philippines — For his alleged refusal to issue barangay clearance, the barangay captain of Cogon Pardo in Cebu City is facing administrative complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

Harry Eran is facing conduct unbecoming a barangay official and abuse of authority.

In their complaint, Anna Bella Zambo, Joerengil Palomares, Andres Cuesta, and Catherine Lopena, all residents of 9-1 Tabura Street, Pardo, Cebu City, alleged that on December 14, 2018 they went to the barangay hall to ask for a barangay clearance.

Cuesta told The FREEMAN barangay clearance is one of the requirements for their application for the construction of a fencing permit before the Office of the Building Official (OBO).

Complainants said they were entertained by Eran.  However, he refused to issue a clearance saying they were not the owner of the subject lot as this is owned by a certain Gaspar Abangan.

Cuesta said they have a title that would prove they owned the lot and not Gaspar.

In fact, they presented and submitted this to Eran together with the requirements being required by the OBO as proof of ownership of the property for their application for fencing permit.

“While receiving the documents, the respondent told complainants in an angry manner ‘nagsamok-samok lang mo!’ Since he did not issue the requested barangay clearance, complainants had no other choice but to leave his office,” read the complaint.

Atty. Gerlou Tebon, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) officer, advised them to send a formal letter addressed to Eran.

Eran allegedly refused to receive the letter when it was personally delivered.

Thus, the letter was sent through mail. On January 18, 2019, Palomares received a letter from Eran which was addressed to the department head of OBO Cebu City, denying their request for barangay clearance.

Eran is set to answer the allegations filed against him. (FREEMAN)