BOBBY NALZARO:

They hire and fire personnel and manage the day-to-day operations of the barangay

Before Congress passed the new Local Government Code in 1991, the role of the ba- rangay captain or teniente del barrio was only to mediate and settle family disputes or neighborhood conflicts. But the Local Government Code gives the barangay captain awesome power, with executive, legislative, and judicial functions. Some barangay captains have become abusive and some have gotten involved in shenanigans like protecting the illegal drug trade and illegal gambling.

Prior to the passage of the Local Government Code in the ‘90s, the barangay captain or teniente del barrio was only tasked to mediate in and settle family disputes and neighborhood conflicts. But the LGC gave the barangay captain awesome power.

He functions as chief executive as he implements barangay measures. He hires and fires personnel and manages the day-to-day operations of the barangay. He functions as legislator because he presides over barangay council sessions. He has judicial function as he mediates disputes lodged before the Lupon Tagapamayapa.

Because of this, some barangay captains have become abusive and are even involved in shenanigans like protecting the illegal drugs trade and illegal gambling. Worse, they engage in money-making ventures or corruption.

Recently, Jeffrey Tumulak, anchor and reporter of dySS Super Radyo, complained that a barangay captain harassed him. Tumulak founded and manages Super Jepoy funeral homes in Pahina San Nicolas. His funeral parlor only embalms and does not accommodate wakes because of the limited space in his rented building.

Since it is time for business permit renewal, he secured a permit/clearance from the barangay, which is a requirement for his business and sanitary permits renewal from City Hall.

But you know what happened? Pahina San Nicolas Barangay Captain Tony Carusca refused to issue a barangay permit/clearance to Tumulak’s business claiming that his funeral office has no parking area. Tumulak admitted it. But he was confused because two funeral parlors in the place were issued permits even if these do not have parking areas.

Besides, it was only for renewal. That means everything had been complied with when Tumulak put up his business there several years ago. Putting a funeral parlor business in a densely populated area is a very sensitive matter. But nobody objected when Tumulak opened his business in the area following a public hearing.

I was informed that Carusca’s water refilling station and internet cafe, and even the barangay hall, have no parking areas. If we are going to follow Carusca’s reasoning, old buildings in Colon St. and in his barangay should not be issued permits because I am sure the establishment owners cannot provide parking areas. How come Carusca is too selective in issuing permits to business establishments operating in his barangay?

I remember a story fellow SunStar columnist and my idol Frank Malilong told me about his client, who owns a chain of optical clinics nationwide. The client planned to put up a memorial garden in one of the barangays in Talisay City. But the plan was scrapped when the client learned that barangay councilors were demanding P100,000 each and P300,000 for the barangay captain in exchange for the council’s approval and subsequent recommendation of the development plan to the City Council. Sus, grabe no, P1 million sa barangay pa lang na.

Posible lain na pod didto sa City Council. Corruption is the reason why our country will not progress.