CEBU CITY – A barangay councilor in Mandaue City defended herself from accusations that she was behind the non-release of the salaries of 120 barangay workers.
LIBERTINE Lumapas (center), councilor of Barangay Umapad in Mandaue City, is joined by fellow councilors in a press conference on Monday, Oct. 28. (Calvin D. Cordova)
Barangay Umapad Councilor Libertine Lumapas was charged before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged grave abuse of authority and oppression.
The charges were filed by Gemma Mata Ortega, Girlie Reyes Gabisan, Lea Gabisan Jimenez, Lima Sotchesa Orogan, and Erwina Batulan Caño, who alleged that they have not received their salaries from January to August this year because of Lumapas, who is the chairman of the barangay council’s Committee on Appropriation.
Barangay Umapad Captain Reb Cortes alleged that the salaries of the complainants could be released yet as Lumapas refused to sign their payroll.
In a press briefing on Monday, Oct. 28, Lumapas insisted that the council is not at fault that some workers have yet to receive their salaries.
She said they are just following what was stated in the Local Government Code in which barangay workers will not be paid with their salaries in the absence of pertinent documents.
Lumapas said that the involved workers were hired by Cortes without the concurrence or approval from the majority of the council.
The daily time records of the workers also did not bear the signature of the barangay captain.
“I pity the situation of our workers because I know they feel bad. If I’m in their situation, I will do the same, meaning I will demand payment for my hard work,” said Lumapas, who was joined by six other councilors in the press conference.
Lumapas said they consulted with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) if her non-signing of the payroll was legal. “The DILG said that what I did was correct,” said Lumapas.
Signing the payroll may result in disallowance from the Commission on Audit, said Lumapas.
Lumapas said the criminal and administrative charges that have been filed against her have been dismissed by the Ombudsman.
She added that the council has already approved the hiring of the workers and they have already pushed for the release of the salary.
However, the payroll of the concerned workers have yet to be endorsed to the barangay treasurer, causing further delays in the release of the salaries.
Lumapas said she was told by Cortes that she is no longer authorized to sign the payroll of the workers as this authority falls under the treasurer and secretary.
She countered that Local Government Code Section 389 requires the approval of the council for the hiring of barangay workers.
Lumapas made it clear that the current issue has nothing to do with politics.