Manila suspends 2 barangay officials in Sampaloc over minor's case
The Manila City Council has suspended two barangay officials for six months after finding them guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct unbecoming of a public officer in connection with a case involving a minor.
The penalty, the maximum allowed, was imposed during the Manila City Council’s regular session on April 20, where it sat as a quasi-judicial body.
According to the council, the officials failed to act on the incident promptly and did not immediately assist the victim’s family or coordinate with authorities.
Findings showed that the officials delayed releasing a copy of the CCTV footage needed for the police investigation and filing of charges.
They were also cited for taking three days to suspend the suspect, a barangay tanod, which allegedly gave the perpetrator time to escape.
Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza said the decision reflects the council’s firm stance against abuse of authority, especially in cases involving minors.
“Today, we have used our quasi-judicial function to fight for justice and to show that in Manila, we take abuse of authority seriously,” Atienza said.
Several councilors also condemned the barangay’s handling of the case, stressing that public officials must act swiftly and responsibly, particularly when a child's welfare is at stake.
The Manila City Council said the ruling serves as a warning that negligence and misconduct will not be tolerated, especially in cases involving vulnerable sectors.
The identities of the suspended officials were not immediately disclosed.