Suspended Barangay Captain Joseph de los Santos has not been going to the Barangay 16 Hall in Bacolod City since last week.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez informed de los Santos that his assuming his duties could be construed as usurpation of authority or official functions.
Benitez on August 11 was replying to a letter of delos Santos, which he received on August 8.
Delos Santos in his letter informed the mayor of his intent to assume his duties as barangay captain.
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod in a resolution dated August 2 suspended de los Santos for six months for gross neglect of duty.
He was suspended for five unjustified consecutive absences from barangays sessions in violation of the provisions of the Local Government Code, the SP said.
The SP decision was executed when it was served to delos Santos on August 4, the mayor said.
“Your assumption of the duties of the Punong Barangay of Brgy. 16 during an existing suspension order, can be construed as usurpation of authority or official functions as provided in Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code,” the mayor informed delos Santos.
Stella Dela Peña is the OIC Barangay 16 head.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has issued a certificate of assumption to the OIC.
Delos Santos could not be reached for comment.*