DILG: Congress has final say on barangay polls

Public warned against scammers who seek nominations for barangay chairman in exchange for money

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-in-Charge Catalino Cuy is warning the public to be vigilant and report scammers who solicit nominations to be appointed as barangay chairman in exchange for money.

Cuy said there are reports coming from the DILG’s regional offices confirming certain unscrupulous individuals going around various barangays asking for the names of possible appointees to be positioned as OIC (officer-in-charge) of the barangay.

“The Department denies link or connection with any of these organizations or groups of people. We are still awaiting further instructions and developments about the 2017 Barangay Elections, so we encourage the public to report such illegal activities to the DILG,” Cuy said in a statement on Friday.

Cuy said it is imperative to wait for the Congress’ final say while at the same time, staying clear from some exploitative and deceitful people who try to take advantage of the hiatus.

In a directive released on Friday, Cuy said the DILG does not sanction nor endorse any and all forms of solicitation regarding appointments to posts in the government.

He also encouraged people to ignore SMS or text messages asking for money, favors or any other matter in exchange for appointment to government positions.

“Please do not entertain or fall prey to these scammers,” Cuy said.

Reports also confirmed some entities organizing ‘oath-taking ceremonies’ for aspiring barangay officials in some provinces.

The reports said in exchange of being inducted and appointed as barangay official, a fee of PHP1,000 from each ‘inductee’ was collected.

Cuy said scammers can be reported to Police Sr. Supt. Marlon Ganzon, Senior Police Assistant to the SILG, in Camp Crame, or to local DILG officers.