Liga adopts “anti-epal” guidelines

THE LIGA ng mga Barangay-Baguio City chapter chaired by councilor Michael Lawana approved a resolution adopting for implementation guidelines and rules in the conduct of barangay general assemblies this March, 2019 in the Summer Capital.

Resolution No. 11, series of 2019, states that Barangay Assembly Day is mandatory as required in the Local Government Code (RA 7160) to give residents the opportunity to hear and discuss with barangay of-

ficials the developments and concerns in their community.

The approved measure also points out that March is the height of the political exercise and campaign of candidates vying for local positions in the city as part of the upcoming national and local elections.

“In order to ensure that the barangay assembly that forms part of our democratic governance down to the barangay level will be a venue for residents and barangay officials to hear and discuss barangay activities and finances including problems, there is a need to lay guidelines and rules in its implementation,” the resolution states.

Under the adopted rules and guidelines, district coordinators will discuss among themselves the schedule of the conduct of general assemblies in their respective districts.

Orderly conduct of assemblies by setting schedules shall enable and allow Department of Interior and Local Government personnel, Liga and city officials to attend and appear before all barangay general assemblies.

Only incumbent city officials with prior invitation and subject matters tasked to be discussed shall be allowed to take part in the assembly while candidates vying for local elective positions appearing before the assembly shall only be acknowledged.

Gestures like hand shaking and the like as well as the giving of campaign materials, items, and articles will only be allowed and permitted after the general assemblies while the orderly and systematic conduct of the assemblies shall be under the control and regulation of the barangays concerned.