Barangay 16 in Bacolod City had two barangay captains on Monday, August 7.
Suspended Barangay Captain Joseph De los Santos reported for work and Acting Punong Barangay Stella De La Peña refused to step down.
De los Santos said that on Tuesday he will send letters to the Land Bank of the Philippines, Commission on Audit, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Mayor’s Office informing them that he has resumed his duties as barangay captain.
The SP had meted a six month suspension on him for grave abuse of authority, grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, which he said ended last week.
“I have my rights,” he said, when asked what he would do if the new order suspending him for another six months is enforced.
“I will cross the bridge when I get there, although I know it’s a lonely fight,” he said.
De los Santos said his hope was rekindled by the people who showed up at the barangay hall to show their support for him on Monday.
“It sets a bad precedent that if the people up there don’t like you they will find a way to get rid of you,” he said.
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod last week had suspended Delos Santos for another six months for gross neglect of duty for five unjustified consecutive absences from barangay sessions in violation of the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, Councilor Al Victor Espino said.
“We have to abide by the provisions of the law,” Espino said.
He said the SP order will be enforced.*