DILG orders preparation of barangay documents for incoming officials

All city and municipal mayors have been directed to order their respective barangay captains to prepare all barangay documents and records for the proper and smooth turnover of these items to incoming barangay officials.

The Department of Interior and Local Government issued this order recently in connection with the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataang elections on October 29.

DILG memorandum circular 2002-122, issued through Undersecretary Austere Panadero, said that incumbent barangay captains should now conduct property, financial and record inventories and have these ready for turnover to whoever newly elected officials would be.

The mayors have supervisory powers over the barangays and they “are expected to make sure that outgoing (barangay captains) under them should effect a proper turnover of records, properties and equipment,” the DILG memorandum said.

Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno said all outgoing barangay officials, as the primary accountable officers for all government property assigned or issued to the barangay, shall also secure property clearance from the barangay treasurer, who shall in turn secure the same from the incoming barangay head.

In case of loss of barangay government property occurring in transit or due to calamity, the request for relief shall be filed with the concerned city or municipal auditor by the accountable officer within the statutory period of 30 days or of such longer period as may be allowed by the auditor.

Puno said that the request shall be accompanied by the following documents: 1) affidavit of the accountable officer and two disinterested persons; 2) final investigation report of the office of department head and proper government-investigating agency; and 3) a list, description and relevant information of the properties lost duly certified by the provincial and city general services officer, municipal or barangay treasurer.

“We should always ensure the smooth and orderly transition or responsibilities for the proper use and care of government funds and properties,” Puno said. — Garry B. Lao/RAE