4 councilmen in Ronda face abuse raps

CEBU, Philippines - Four barangay council members in Ronda, Cebu were charged with grave abuse of authority before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.

Barangay Captain Vicente Gaquing, of Canduling, Ronda, has accused council members Corazon Raboy, Juan Tansingco, Jr., Marlinda Belocura, and Macario Palanas of viciously opposing his appointment of barangay treasurer Abel Vismanos.

Gaquing said he appointed Vismanos on December 10, 2013 but the respondents refused to confirm the appointment.  On June 9, 2015, the parties appeared in a conference called by the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas as requested by Gaquing.

Emily Rosal, associate graft investigation officer, said that the barangay councilmen claimed that the previous treasurer and secretary were terminated without the approval of the council.

The councilmen were told that the positions of the treasurer and secretary are co-terminus with the appointing authority as provided for under the Local Government Code.

“The barangay officials were advised to be supportive in the regular operations of the barangay as not to prejudice their service to the constituents. Their loyalty should be with the institution they are serving and not on persons. The barangay council was warned that repeated inaction or refusal without justifiable cause shall be dealt with accordingly,” Rosal said in an order dated June 22, 2015 after the conference.

Gaquing, likewise, brought the matter to the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer in Ronda to explain to the four barangay kagawads the need to appoint a barangay treasurer in order not to hamper the operations of the barangay.

However, the four council members allegedly insisted not to sign the appointment citing their lack of trust and confidence in Vismanos. — (FREEMAN)