Village execs suspended over ‘death penalty’ for dumping garbage

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A barangay captain, four council members and a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman in Bangued, Abra have been suspended for 90 days in connection with an ordinance which imposes death as penalty for those illegally dumping garbage.

Renato Brasuela, chairman of Barangay Calaba; council members Marjun Santiago, Rosemel Viado, Marlbour Valera and  Carmelita Venus, as well as SK chairman Darryl Blanes were found guilty of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty, gross dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service by the Sangguniang Bayan.

The ordinance, which was imposed in February, imposes a fine of P1,000 for dumping of garbage for the first offense, P1,000 and eight hours of community service for the second offense and ”getting shot” for the third offense.

The barangay ordinance did not reach the Sangguniang Bayan for review before it was implemented.

Mayor Mila Valera ordered the preventive suspension of the barangay officials pending an investigation of the administrative cases filed against them.