OFFICIALS of Vicente Hizon Sr. village, Buhangin District, Davao City endorsed for first reading under the City Council an ordinance prohibiting gossiping in their village.
A letter addressed to chairperson of committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances Bernard Al-ag signed by Punong Barangay Ralph Abella, favorably endorsed for consideration, Barangay Ordinance No. 5, Series of 2016 known as "Anti-Gossip Ordinance of Barangay Vicente Hizon, Sr."
Based on the letter, the ordinance has been presented to the residents of the village for public hearing on December 1, and 2, 2016 and was approved by the General Assembly on March 25, 2017.
Based on the village committee report, the penalties for violation of the village ordinance will be P300 and 24 hours community service for first offense, P500 and 40 hours of community service for second offense, and P1,000 and 100 hours of community service for the third offense.
The penalties shall be paid to the village treasurer who shall issue the corresponding government receipts.
According to the committee report the ordinance is pursuant to the Local Government Code under Section 391 (a)(1) that it is the power, duty and function of the Barangay Council to discharge responsibilities conferred upon it by law or ordinance and to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants.
It was also stated that the purpose of the ordinance is to help maintain peace and order among families and neighbors "as proven to be spreading lies are fined and required to render community service." (KVC)