The Makati City government ordered a 90-day suspension of eight Barangay Carmona officials for neglecting to submit and enact the barangay annual investment program and budget in 2019 and 2020, depriving its residents of basic and social services.
“The barangay operated on a reenacted budget for two consecutive years, which deprived the residents of Carmona of much-needed social services and benefits because no funds were available for the implementation of social programs and services,” according to a resolution issued by the Makati City Council.
Under a reenacted budget, allowable expenses are limited to salaries and wages, essential operating expenses like utilities and supplies, and statutory and contractual obligations.
The suspension order included chairman Joselito Salvador, presiding officer of the Sangguniang Barangay, together with kagawad Jason Layug, Andres Chua, Jeffrey Sordan, Christopher Guerra, Rosalie Garcia, Maria Andrea Paula Vicente, and Virgilio Guillermo.
“The enactment of the annual budget cannot be overemphasized as operations of the barangay are dependent on the funds available for the services that it renders on a daily basis,” according to Cherry Canda-Melodias, director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Makati City.
Under the Local Government Code, an elective official may be disciplined, suspended, or removed from office on the grounds of dishonesty, oppression, misconduct in office, gross negligence, or dereliction of duty.