Talisay to hold barangay assembly day later on

CEBU, Philippines - The Barangay Assembly Day for the second semester of 2012 is set tomorrow, pursuant to Proclamation No. 260 issued by President Benigno S. Aquino III on September 30 last year. 

But Talisay City Association of Barangay Councils president Charles Basillote told The Freeman that barangays in the city cannot conduct the assembly because the city will hold the “Halad Inasal Festival” parade, which is also in line of the celebration of the annual feast of its patron saint, Santa Teresa de Avila. 

Basillote, who also sits as ex-officio in the city council, said the 22-barangays decided to move their respective barangay assembly on October 20 or 21. 

“Wala man violation niini as long as ang barangay maka-conduct sa ilang barangay assembly,” Basillote said. 

Among the activities to be conducted in the assembly is the State of Barangay Address (SOBA) with emphasis on first semester accomplishments, financial report and updates on on-going programs and projects for calendar year 2012. 

Posting of barangay budget, statement of income and expenditures, other barangay financial transactions and annual procurement plans in compliance to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2010-149, will be tackled. 

The barangay assembly will also discuss issues affecting the barangay such as Disaster Preparedness, Solid Waste Management, and Peace and Order situation. 

Section 397 (b) of the Local Government Code enjoins every barangay to undertake these activities during the barangay assembly. 

Corresponding administrative complaint against barangay officials who fail to conduct a barangay assembly may be filed by any resident of the barangay, concerned citizen, governmental or non-governmental entity before the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan. 

This is pursuant to Section 61 of the LG Code or to the Office of the Ombudsman pursuant to Administrative Order No. 07 or the “Rules of Procedures on the Office of the Ombudsman” dated April 10, 1990.  (FREEMAN)