THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a last warning against barangay officials who are not performing well in terms of anti-illegal drug and peace and order campaign in their respective community.
DILG Assistant Secretary for External and Legislative Affairs Ricojudge Janvier M. Echiverri warned anew the barangay officials who fail to reduce the drug affectation in their respective jurisdiction.
He said they will be facing dereliction of duty charges before the Office of the Ombudsman if they remain uncooperative of the government’s thrust.
“We will be forced to file cases against you at the Ombudsman for dereliction of duty and that would entail suspension before election. Kung hindi ninyo kayang pangatawanan ‘yong peace and order at natatakot kayo, ibigay niyo doon sa mga willing na pangatawanan yong pwesto na may tapang at malasakit, (If you can’t take full responsibility on peace and order because you’re afraid, give your post to those who are willing to take full responsibility, those who have courage and are concerned),” Echiverri said during a press conference at Park Inn Hotel on Monday.
He said that gone are the days when barangays officials merely focus on cleanliness and festivities, adding that it is high time to focus on the peace and order aspect.
He underscored that there are some barangay officials who do not want to meddle in the illegal activities of their constituents because of fear to be implicated.
The DILG has already a list of low performing barangay officials and they will release it soon. Out of the 42,000 barangays, 70 percent are performing well while 30 percent are non-performing.
“We will still give the last warning to them otherwise, (DILG) Secretary Año will issue that command,” he said.
The ultimatum, he said, will be effective this month.
They have issued several warnings before against these officials but to no avail.
The DILG, he said, is strengthening the Barangay Anti-Illegal Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) and will also look at the functionality of the proposed plans and programs of each barangay.
“It should be functional. Kasi pag sinabi mong activated, oo, na-submit na nila ang budget, na-submit na ang organizational setup nila or plan pero bumaba ba ang drug affectation, so that means you are not functioning,” he said.
This is in line with the administration’s thrust against illegal drugs for a drug free Philippines. They aimed that each barangay will have community-based rehabilitation program for drug reformists who wish to avail the government’s programs and be free from illegal substance.
Under the DILG memorandum, failure of local officials to appropriate a portion of their budget to assist or enhance Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 is a ground for disapproval of a barangay’s annual budget. At the same time, administrative charges for dereliction of duty will be filed against violators.