The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on the public on Monday, Jan. 19, to file complaints against "epal" local and barangay officials who are projecting good image to their constituents at the expense of public funds.

“Epal’’ is a Filipino term used to describe attention-seekers, credit-grabbers or scene-stealers, who crave recognition and often insert themselves into situations to gain attention or glorification, synonymous with government officials who inappropriately attach their names to publicly funded projects.

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla explained that “epal’’ against local officials down to the barangay constitute administrative cases and preventive suspension that must be filed in the proper forum.

He noted that the filing of complaints against erring “epal’’ elected and appointed officials of the barangays should be filed in the proper forum as prescribed by Republic Act 7160 or “The Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, instituting the protocol in filing complaints for all local government officials, including barangay leaders.

“May mga administrative cases na puwedeng i-file sa kanila (rogue public officials) at maaring mapatawan from preventive suspension to suspension (There are administrative cases that may be filed where they can be meted with preventive suspensions to suspensions),’’ Remulla exclaimed.

DILG National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) Director Dennis Villaseñor explained that for elected barangay officials, like punong barangay, sangguniang barangay members and sangguniang kabataan chair persons, residents are welcome to file their complaints in higher level of governance within the locality.

“Section 61 (c) of the code states that a complaint against any elective barangay official shall be filed before the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan concerned. It also underscored that the decision on the complaint shall be final and executory,’’ the DILG said.

Further, the DILG emphasized that the code also states that if the evidence of guilt is strong, a single preventive suspension can be imposed against the barangay official which can be extended to 60 days.

Likewise, Villasenor said that possible complaints against barangay officials may be lodged in the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Section 21 of Republic Act No. 6770 prescribes that the Office of the Ombudsman has disciplinary authority over all elective and appointive officials of the government and its subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies, which includes all barangays,’’ the DILG added.

However, Villasenor emphasized that complaints against barangay officials must not be filed in both the higher sanggunian and the Office of the Ombudsman, as this may result in the dismissal of the complaint. 

“Kung nai-file ninyo po sa parehong forum, sa aming pananaw, baka madi-dismiss lang po iyan dahil magiging ‘forum ‘shopping (If you had filed the complaints in both fora, I believe that the case may be dismissed since this will constitute forum shopping,’’ Villasenor furthered.

For complaints to progress, Villasenor relevant documentation must be presented to the receiving authority, such as a formal complaint that is substantiated and supported by appropriate pieces of evidence.