A rumored petition to remove Gusa Barangay Chairman Marlo Tabac as executive vice president of the Liga ng mga Barangay has reportedly surfaced due to alleged loss of trust and confidence.

Tabac currently serves as executive vice president and will sit as an ex officio member of the City Council. He is set to take over the seat from Councilor Alam Lim, who will become an official councilor on July 1.

Councilor Jose ‘Joey’ Abbu on Monday said he heard talk of an upcoming meeting.

“I heard naay panagtipok ipahigayon for the purpose of electing the executive vice president [for the Liga ng mga Barangay],” Abbu said.

He said there are discussions about plans to vacate Tabac’s position.

COUP D’ ÉTAT? Councilor Jose ‘Joey’ Abbu confirms hearing of a move to remove Gusa Barangay Chairman Marlo Tabac as Liga ng mga Barangay executive vice president over alleged loss of trust and confidence, but says he does not support it, citing Tabac’s consistent leadership. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

“Akong nadunggan, naay move ang kasamtangan nga executive VP nga si Tabac, tangtangon daw kuno sa mayoreya sa mga kapitan,” Abbu added.

Abbu said the alleged reason behind the move is lack of trust and confidence. However, he argued this is not a valid ground for removal, as Tabac has been actively fulfilling his duties.

“Syay ga direct, syay ga represent always, so if we say he will be removed base[d] on lack of trust and confidence… base ana, there is no ground,” he said.

As a lawyer, Abbu added that unless there are violations specific to Liga ng mga Barangay functions, the matter should follow internal procedures.

“The Liga itself has its own bylaws on how to remove or suspend an officer. And sa akong nabasa sa ilang bylaws, wala may grounds base on lack of trust and confidence,” he said.

Abbu clarified that these are still unconfirmed reports, and he has not seen any signed manifesto calling for Tabac’s removal.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Jocelyn ‘Bebot’ Rodriguez dismissed speculation that Nazareth Barangay Chairwoman Atty. Regine Rodriguez is poised to replace Tabac as executive vice president.

REPLACEMENT? Vice Mayor Jocelyn ‘Bebot’ Rodriguez says Atty. Regine Rodriguez has no plans to seek the Liga ng mga Barangay vice presidency, citing her responsibilities as Nazareth barangay chair and chief of staff to 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

“She has no plans since she is busy. As is lang sa sya sa Barangay Nazareth kay daghan trabaho,” the vice mayor said.

She added that they will await guidance from City Mayor Rolando Uy. Regine Rodriguez is currently serving as chief of staff to 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

“Focus lang sa sya unsa iyang i-focus for now,” the vice mayor said.

Tabac took his oath as Liga vice president on Dec. 18, 2023.

Repeated attempts to contact Tabac were unsuccessful.