Abra Barangay Executives Suspended on Death Penalty for Garbage Dumping

BAGUIO CITY – Barangay Calaba, Bangued Chairman Renato Brasuela and five barangay council members or Kagawad, including Barangay Chairman Sangguniang Kabataan, were suspended for three months for drafting a barangay ordinance in February that sought to “death ” as a third punishment for an offense of illegally disposing of garbage.

Bangued City Mayor Mila Valera on Monday ordered barangay officials to temporarily leave their posts for 90 days after the Bangued Sangguniang Bayan charged her with serious misconduct, grave abuse of office, gross dereliction of duty, gross dishonesty and conduct in violation of the Best harmed, found guilty of violating the interest of the service.

Last February, there was a huge uproar in Barangay Calaba when barangay officials issued an ordinance making dumping of garbage punishable by P1,000 for the first offense, P1,000 and eight hours of community service for the second offense, and shooting for the third offenses punished.

The barangay ordinance approved by Barangay Chairman Brasuela, Kagawads Marjun Santiago, Rosemel Viado, Marlbour Jude Valera, Carmelita Venus and SK Chairman Darryl Blanes did not reach the Sangguniang Bayan for review before being introduced for implementation.

On May 3, the Bangued SB recommended that Brasuela and the five other barangay officials be placed on precautionary suspension pending investigation into the administrative cases filed against them.