SUSPENSION. The Sangguniang Panlungsod adopts the report of the Committee on Personnel, Good Government, Public Accountability and Oversight, recommending the suspension of a punong barangay (village chief) for 60 days over alleged misconduct and abuse of authority, during their regular session on Wednesday (July 31, 2024). The recommendation has yet to be approved by Mayor Jerry Treñas. (PNA photo by PGLena)
ILOILO CITY – The Sangguniang Panlungsod on Wednesday recommended a 60-day suspension for a barangay chairperson facing a complaint of three counts of violating the government procurement act, constituting misconduct in office and abuse of authority.
An administrative complaint was filed against Ronela D. Juaneza and Janette L. Gacuma, barangay chair and treasurer of San Isidro in Jaro district, respectively.
The city council, through the Committee on Personnel, Good Government, Public Accountability and Oversight, has no jurisdiction over Gacuma because she is not an elected official but found evidence that warrants the filing of a complaint against Juaneza for violation of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.
The committee, chaired by councilor Rex Marcus B. Sarabia, in its report during the regular session, said it found “merits” against Juaneza who “acted alone without the approval of the barangay bids and awards committee… and procured several items for and in behalf of the barangay without the observance of a mandated public and competitive bidding process.”
The three procurements included PHP365,488 for well-milled rice, PHP235,660.72 for drugs and medicines of senior citizens in January, and PHP94,122.32 for office supplies.
Sarabia said the recommendation for suspension is not part of the penalty but only to secure documents needed during the hearing of the ad hoc committee.
In a separate interview, Councilor Irene Ong, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, reminded barangay officials to always follow the law. (PNA)
