DUMAGUETE: In a significant development for village governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Negros Oriental has confirmed that village chairpersons and kagawads (representatives) are eligible to run for positions in the local Liga ng Mga Barangay (LnB) despite having unpaid annual dues. This clarification was provided by DILG-Negros Oriental director Farah Gentuya on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, 2023, this decision follows a 72-hour temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by a Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Tacloban City on Dec. 6, 2023. The TRO was directed against the LnB National Executive Board concerning the election eligibility of duly elected village chiefs and representatives in local Liga chapters. The court order mandates the LnB National Executive Board to allow these officials to file their Certificates of Candidacy for the local Liga elections, provided they meet the minimum requirements outlined in the 2022 by-laws and election code of the Liga.
Gentuya stated that barangay officials could be voted upon in their local Liga chapters as long as they settle their dues before the election. The DILG memorandum further stipulates that, during the TRO's effectivity, the Liga is prohibited from disqualifying any candidate due to their barangay's failure to pay dues by the August 31, 2023, deadline.
Interior Secretary Abalos emphasized the importance of giving barangay chairpersons and representatives adequate opportunities to clear their dues, especially for newly elected officials. He highlighted that it is "unreasonable and unjustifiable" to disenfranchise a barangay due to failures not directly attributable to the incumbent Punong Barangay (village head).
Gentuya also mentioned that copies of the DILG memorandum are being distributed to various local Liga chapters as guidance. As of now, no petitions for disqualification based on unpaid dues have been filed.