Dad seeks legal aid for barangay officials

BAGUIO City Councilor Joel Alangsab wants to assure legal aid for all barangay officials.

The proposed ordinance seeks to provide legal aid to barangay officials who, in the performance of their official duties have to face judicial proceedings and defend themselves.

Alangsab said in some instances, barangay officials, city officials and employees are being charged either administratively or for other violations by individuals, which acts or violations were committed while in the performance of their official duties.

Barangay officials include all elected and appointed officials of Baguio City, including Sanguniang Kabataan officers.

Those who will avail of the aid will be under review by the mayor, in consultation with the city legal officer to determine if the charges against any barangay officials were done while in the performance of official duties.

Alangsab any barangay officials may avail if the legal controversy, whether criminal, civil, or administrative in nature must

be strictly work-related however, if the legal controversy is between or among the barangay officials, this assistance program does not apply.

The legal assistance will only be availed once by an individual covered by the ordinance which should not exceed P20,000 and the sustainability of the program will be subjected to the availability of funds appropriated.

If the ordinance is approved, P100, 000 will be appropriated annually from the fund of the City Government of Baguio for the legal assistance with the City Legal Office as the implementing agency.