BANGUED, Abra – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has ordered officials of Barangay Calaba here who enacted an ordinance imposing a “death sentence” over garbage dumping to continue working while their suspension case is being reviewed.
In an order this week, the SP told Barangay Captain Renato Brasuela, Barangay Kagawad Marjun S. Santiago, Carmelita Venus, and Rosemel Viado, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson Daryll Blanes to continue their duties and ordered the Sangguniang Bayan of Bangued and all other persons acting under their instructions to prevent the implementation of the suspension order issued on July 31, 2024.
The Sangguniang Bayan suspended the barangay officials for 90 days in connection with a controversial ordinance last February that sought to implement death as a penalty in the third offense for illegal dumping of garbage.
Mayor Mila A. Valera ordered the barangay officials to leave their posts for 90 days after the Sangguniang Bayan found them guilty of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty, gross dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The respondents appealed and in a June 18, 2024 ruling, a court issued a Temporary Restraining Order against their suspension. The TRO ordered Barangay Kagawad Renante Borton “to cease and desist from performing as punong barangay and all other persons acting under his authority.”
Two months later on Aug. 8, 2024, the suspended barangay officials filed an appeal with prayer for the immediate issuance of a stay order with the SP.
After reviewing the appeal and considering the arguments of the suspended officials, the SP led by acting Vice Gov. Russel Bragas issued a stay order effective Dec. 2.
The SP also ordered barangay officials who took over the positions of the suspended officials to cease and desist from functions they assumed.