Comelec: File raps vs indiscriminate barangay certificate issuance

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has recommended filing charges against barangay captains who indiscriminately issue barangay certificates, allowing individuals to transfer from one area to another.

During the hearing of the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the commission has taken appropriate action against barangays that indiscriminately issue barangay certificates.

“We recommended filing criminal cases against barangay chairpersons involved in the massive issuance of barangay certification indiscriminately… We referred to the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) to possibly file administrative cases (against) barangay captains and officials,” he added.

Garcia also mentioned that the Comelec recommended to Congress to prohibit barangay certification as a basis for voter registration since there is already the national ID.

Sen. Nancy Binay presided over the committee’s hearing to discuss the indiscriminate issuance of barangay certifications as proof of residence that can lead to misuse, such as ghost residents, voter fraud and other forms of corruption that compromise the trust and efficacy of government institutions.

Binay said the committee would listen to the Comelec investigation result and see what help the Senate could provide in its plan to file criminal and administrative cases against barangay officials who would be proven to be involved in such modus operandi.