By Erik Espina
INTERIOR and Local Government for Barangay Affairs Undersecretary Martin Dino rattled the chains of 41,948 barangays nationwide during my TV interview with him (“Republika,” Tuesdays 8 p.m., Channel 8 Destiny Cable, Sky Cable Ch. 213 etc). He is causing quite a stir for the smallest political unit in the country, sending shivers with strict sanctions for offenses committed e.g. non-performance and dereliction of duty etc.
The DILG under OIC Eduardo Año issued a directive for an Inventory of all Barangay Properties. The audit of supplies and equipment sets the tone for proper stewardship of public properties, purchased with tax payers money. Proper care and safekeeping must be the primary consideration for government officials/employees as responsible trustees privileged with the custody of the “peoples” belongings. The fall-out from non-performance, loss, destruction, disrepair, etc. warrants many heads rolling administratively including a good case before the Ombudsman for possible criminal liability.
Dino also reminded hard headed barangay officials regarding their responsibility for garbage collection in a 60%-40% scheme with city hall, including dis-allowing vendors to market on the sidewalk, forcing pedestrians on the streets.
There is the flagship BADAC, (Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council) to assist the police in law-enforcement, including submission of a drug watch-list. So far, only 9,000 barangays are compliant with this order. Post March 21, many are exposing themselves, to suspensions. Amidst the frenzy of barangay campaign and the culminating May 14 verdict, the issue on the “narco-list” of suspected officials is suspended in mid-air, with questions over human rights and due process as preponderant consideration vs. the release of the subjects’ names. A middle ground would be to identify the very barangays/sitios/puroks which happen to be enclaves of narcotic activity and habit. This would be a poignant reminder for voters, come election day, who they must hold accountable for the proliferation of the drug menace in their neighborhood. Vote wisely. Change must begin at the barangay level.
