DILG 10 alarmed over rumors of village chair appointments

By LITO RULONA,
Correspondent

Northern Mindanao Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director Arnel  Agabe warned all government officials not to entertain “unscrupulous individuals soliciting nominations and nominees to be appointed as OIC Punong Barangays.”

In a press conference, Agabe said based on the law, barangay incumbent officials will serve in “hold over” capacity despite serving for more than three years.

“Barangay officials and kagawads will (serve in) hold-over (capacity) unless there will be an order removing them from office. They will hold-over and still received their respective (honoraria). Kung unsa’y ilang madawat atol sa ilang termino mao gihapon ilang dawaton,” he said.

In an advisory, DILG Secretary Ismael Sueño asked the public to ignore messages which may ask for money, favors and any other matter in exchange of appointment to government posts.

Agabe explained that while it is certain that there is no barangay elections (slated last Oct. 31), all elected Punong Barangays and Kagawads are expected to step down by the end of the month when their terms expire as mandated by law.

“During one of my radio program, there were (queries) that there were rumors that an OIC barangay officials and kagawads will assume office after Nov. 30 but this reports (are) not true. They are still in hold-over capacity and continue to serve unless we will be having another law. Diha nata makaingon nga dunay bag-o nga balaod,” he said.

“Submission of your resume as aspiring OIC Barangay Captain to be endorsed/recommended by NICOPHIL to Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD NECC). Applicants send resume to neccnicophil@gmail.com is extended until Sunday, (October 2016). FYI. We need 50,000 OIC applicants nationwide,” a sample of a text message shown by the DILG during the press conference reads.

Agabe said DILG 10 is still awaiting further instructions if the terms of incumbent barangay officials will be extended, act in hold-over capacity or shall be appointed by the President or any other authority.

“Based on the law, all barangay chairmans and kagawads will hold-over their position under the law. Kung dunay people nga ga-facilitate nga gakuha og (kwarta) please report it to the DILG and to the nearest police station,” he said.