College requirement for barangay treasurer opposed

CEBU, Philippines - The move to require appointees for barangay treasurer to have at least six college units of bookkeeping has drawn opposition from Basak San Nicolas Barangay Captain George Rama.

Rama said the move, initiated by Association of Barangay Councils President Michael Ra-lota, is not necessary because what is important is the person’s capability to do the job right, not exactly the academic background.

“Dili man pud mi mo-appoint og dili kamao. Kung mamili ta nga naa gyud six units of bookkeeping, naa man gani mga kapitan nga wala gani maka-graduate og elementary,” Rama said.

Ralota who sits as ex-officio member of the City Council being ABC president, contended that the requirement is for the best interest of the barangays. The City Council has approved the move during its regular session last Wednesday.

“It is also advantageous and to the best interests of the barangay if the prospective appointee for the position of barangay treasurer is someone who has specifically taken at least six college units in bookkeeping,” Ralota said.

He said some barangays in the city have appointed treasurers who are reportedly incapable and inexperienced.

Ralota argued that having taken six units of bookkeeping would help the treasurer be effective in the job especially thatthe duties and responsibilities deal with the disbursement of barangay funds and preparation of financial statements that cover the actual and estimates of income and expenditures. The barangay treasurer also renders detailed written accounting report on all barangay funds and property.

The Local Government Code of 1991 requires that those appointed for barangay treasurer shall be a qualified voter, of legal age, and actual resident of the barangay where he/she is being appointed.

The law also provides that no person shall be appointed if he or she is a member of the barangay council or a relative of the barangay captain within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

Ralota, however, explained that his proposal was only a recommendation for the barangays to follow.

“Truth be told, some of these barangay treasurer appointees are put to office merely by virtue of political accommodation in spite of the fact that the person so appointed lacks qualifications or totally inexperienced for the public position,” Ralota said.  (FREEMAN)