Female brgy chief "serves term" in jail

CEBU, Philippines - A female barangay captain in Tuburan town is serving her second term of office while in jail.

Sumon barangay captain Norma Borlas was reelected during the October 25, 2010 barangay election without having launched a campaign. Immediately after she filed her certificate of candidacy at the office of the Commission on Elections in Tuburan, police arrested Borlas by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court in Toledo City.

Borlas was charged for robbery in band and multiple murder after she was implicated in the death of four army personnel in her barangay. Five army personnel used the barangay hall as their detachment when members of the New People’s Army attacked them few years ago.

Borlas was accused of conniving with the NPA rebels.

The Department of Interior and Local Government however recognizes Borlas as the duly elected barangay captain.

DILG-7 director Pedro Noval told The FREEMAN that Borlas is not yet convicted and she will undergo due process.

But Noval said she cannot perform her official duties and functions as the cases are not bailable.

She cannot also receive her benefits and honorarium from the barangay.

Borlas was able to take her oath before Cebu third district Rep. Pabo John Garcia in a ceremony held at Lantawan Resort in Tuburan along with 13 other barangay captains. The court allowed Borlas to get out of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center for one day just to take her oath. —  (FREEMAN)