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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Court grants Writ of Mandamus sought by Cebu village chair

Court grants Writ of Mandamus sought by Cebu village chair

Published Apr 16, 2025 01:48 pm

CEBU CITY – The Danao City Regional Trial Court Branch 80 in Cebu province granted the petition for mandamus filed by a barangay captain against a vice mayor and the National Liga ng mga Barangay (NLB).

The court ruled in favor of Esperanza, Pilar Barangay Captain Mario Pagalan, who filed the petition against the NLB and Pilar Vice Mayor Chiziline Maratas.

Pagalan’s petition stemmed from the supposed refusal of the Sangguniang Bayan to recognize him as duly-elected Liga ng mga Barangay Pilar Chapter President and ex-officio member of the municipal council.

As the only qualified candidate to run for the position, Pagalan claimed he was elected as LNB-Pilar Chapter president during the organization's election on Dec. 15, 2023.

He immediately assumed his post and attended the sessions of the municipal council. He also attended Liga ng mga Barangay provincial election on Jan. 12, 2024.

Pagalan complained that on Feb. 9, the Pilar municipal council refused to recognize him and excluded him from the roll call.

The complainant’s salary, benefits, and other entitlements were also held since Dec. 15, 2023 even if there was no formal protest that was filed against him.

On May 22, 2024, the LNB declared a failure of elections and ordered a special election, prompting Pagalan to file a motion for reconsideration and eventually a petition for mandamus.

Maratas said they did not recognize Pagalan after he failed to comply with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-183 or the Guidance on the Conduct of the Liga ng mga Barangay Chapter elections.

Maratas added that Pagalan also failed to present any proof showing that he was the duly elected president of the Liga-Pilar Chapter.

Maratas added Pagalan also had pending complaints filed by nine barangay captains.

In granting the writ of mandamus, the court ordered the NLB to declare and confirm Pagalan as the elected president of the Liga ng Barangay-Pilar Chapter and allow him to assume office.

The LNB was also ordered to recognize Pagalan as an ex-officio member of the municipal council.

The court also ordered the release of Pagalan’s salary and benefits but denied his demand for damages, attorney's fees, and litigation expenses amounting to P200,000.

Related Tags

Liga ng mga Barangay Danao City Cebu province Barangay captain
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