Barangay narco-list
IBy NTERIOR 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.
The DILG under OIC Eduardo Ano 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 taxpayers’ 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, large or small. The fall-out from non-performance of directive, the loss, destruction, disrepair, etc., will warrant many heads rolling administratively ,including presenting a good case before the Ombudsman for possible criminal liability.
Contextualized in crisp warnings, Dino also reminded hard-headed Barangay officials about their responsibility for garbage collection in a 60%40% scheme with city hall, including dis-allowing vendors to market on the sidewalk, forcing pedestrians to walk 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. Meaning the majority are exposing themselves, after March 21, to suspensions.
Amidst the frenzy of barangay campaigns and the culminating May 14 verdict, the issue on disclosing the “narco-list” of suspected officials is suspended in mid-air, amidst questions over human rights and due process as preponderant consideration against the release of the subjects’ name. However, a middle ground on the debate would be to identify the 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.