Buot-Taup officials told: Settle row or face sanctions

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella yesterday warned the barangay officials of Buot-Taup of possible sanctions if they continue to refuse to settle their conflict over the appointment of their barangay treasurer.

Labella, chairman of the committee on laws, who also chairs the committee of three earlier created by the City Council to settle the conflict, said that the members of the committee together with Buot-Taup Barangay Captain Rosalita Callino and the five opposition councilmen will meet this morning to agree among themselves.

Labella said the power to appoint barangay treasurer and secretary is conjoint between the barangay captain and the council.

According to Labella, if Callino and the opposition councilmen refused to agree among themselves on the appointment of their treasurer they are at risk of being charged for violation of the Republic Act No. 6713 otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The conflict in Buot Taup started when five opposition members in the barangay council refused to accept the appointment of Barangay Treasurer Maritess Morales.

Just like the secretary, the barangay treasurer is appointed by the barangay captain with the concurrence of the majority of the council members.

However, Callino’s appoint-ment of Morales failed to get the concurrence of the majority of the councilmen.

During the Labella committee hearing last week attended by the two other committee members Sisinio Andales and Nida Cabrera, they have observed that not one of the barangay officials is ready to give way.

Labella told the barangay officials to set aside political differences and instead focus on the interest of their constituents.

In a separate interview with The Freeman, Callino said she cannot understand why the five opposition councilors are up against Morales.

 The five councilors are Richard Bacayan, Rogelio Cabrillos, Ricardo Cabrera, Constituto Bacayam and Donardo Labitad.

“Daghan kaayo sila og pasangil batok kang Maritess nga kuno sugarol, nganong hukman man nila ang tawo? Kung atong ibutang nga sugarol, dili ba diay nato hatagan og chance?” Callino said.

The opposition councilors have recommended three personalities in their barangays but Callino turned it down.

Callino said that while she is willing to accept them but two of them are her relatives, which is a violation of the law on Nepotism while other one is already old. –(FREEMAN)