DILG: ABC can compel payment from members

CEBU, Philippines - Being a recognized government organization, the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) can compel its members to pay its contributions and annual membership dues. This is the opinion of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office in answer to the query of ABC President Michael Ralota, an ex-officio member of the Cebu City Council.

Ralota sought clarification on the stand of some barangays who had no intention of paying their dues to the ABC.

According to Ralota, there are some who say that the ABC is a non-government organization and that they are not obliged to pay any membership dues.

Ralota had found that the ABC league does not have enough funds for 2011 so it could not provide benefits for barangay captains and councilors.

The membership fee, which is mandatory for the members of the ABC league, adds up to P25,000 for each chairman.

Barangays are also requested give up to 1.5 percent of their internal revenue allotment and barangay income to support the league.

Once a barangay starts paying its ABC membership, the barangay captain is entitled to P20,000 burial assistance and hospital insurance, while barangay councilors are entitled to P10,000 in burial assistance and hospital insurance.

The City Budget and Accounting Offices, which are processing various financial documents of ABC member-barangays, had said that the ABC is not a government organization so it needs formal accreditation from the city council to get grants and financial assistance from the city.

But DILG Regional Director Pedro Noval, in his letter to Ralota, said that the Liga ng mga Barangay is “infused with a purpose which is governmental in nature” and that it’s a group that “exercises governmental powers, functions and duties.”

“Any position in the Liga would qualify as a public office or position…,” Noval said.

He also pointed out that the league aims “to promote the development of barangays and secure the general welfare of their inhabitants.” (FREEMAN)