Talisay brgy council nixes treasurer's ouster

Six out of nine members of the barangay council of Jaclupan in Talisay City refused to sign in concurrence of a resolution terminating the services of its barangay treasurer.

In a 3-page letter, the six councilmen Joel Orbeso, Presentacion Abalos, Lydia Gabiana, Rodrigo Abatayo Jr., Fernando Rabago and Mark Eleguin said, "We decline to sign and concur in order not to perpetrate injustice to people who are condemned without due process of law."

The letter was sent to barangay chairman Placido Labajo, with copies furnished to the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas, and the DILG officer in Talisay City.

In question was Resolution No. 2005-154 terminating the services of barangay treasurer Elsa Billones-effective September 15, and hiring of her replacement the term of office of which shall start retroactive to September 1.

The councilmen, in rejecting the resolution, opined that it was "a clear political persecution" of the treasurer.

They also argued that it "condemns without a hearing" in violation of the constitutional guarantee of "due process."

They further said they could not be "forced to concur and sign the resolution against our will" because they found it "arbitrary and violative on the constitutional guarantee and the local government code."

Labajo earlier wanted Billones to turn over all barangay documents under her care citing that her services were no longer needed.

But Billones insisted she would not do so because the DILG has not ordered her termination yet. - Garry B. Lao