ILOILO – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reminded the newly-elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to abide by the Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
DILG-Iloilo director Carmelo F. Orbista said barangay and SK officials in 1,721 barangays in the province could effectively serve their constituents if they only observe RA 6713, or An act establishing a code of conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees, to uphold the time-honored principle of public office being a public trust, granting incentives and rewards for exemplary service, enumerating prohibited acts and transactions and providing penalties for violations thereof and for other purposes.
“So that you can never go wrong as a local official, let’s observe RA 6713. Ara da ang different parameters para ang isa ka official maging credible kag may integrity,” Orbista said in an interview with Panay News yesterday morning.
He also said the newly-elected barangay and SK officials should read first what is stated in RA 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) because this will serve as their bible for their duties and responsibilities.
“Amo na ang bibliya sang aton nga local officials, basahon naton kon ano ang corresponding duties and responsibilities kay ara man ina nakabutang dira,” Orbista said.
They should also implement the programs of the national government including the campaign against illegal drugs.
“To the newly elected barangay officials, same man gihapon ang aton nga priorities, ang anti-illegal drugs ara man gihapon,” he said.
Upon assumption of office, Orbista said, one of their priorities would be the creation of the barangay-based institutions which include the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).
A BADAC, created upon assumption of office of the new set of officials, plays a major role in line with the goal of Gov. Arthur Defender Jr. to make Iloilo a drug-free province.
At present, 98.55 percent out of 1,721 barangays in the province have been declared drug-cleared and Orbista is hopeful to reach the 100 percent drug-cleared barangays the soonest.
The DILG is currently coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as well as with different stakeholders and religious groups for the province of Iloilo to be declared drug-cleared.
“Wala gid kita diri problema sa Iloilo province, that is why we have more than 98 percent [drug-cleared barangays] already. Pila na lang na ang nabilin or wala na-clear from drugs, mga 21 barangays na lang siguro. So we are working closely with the LGUs (local government units), PNP, PDEA, and other stakeholders and religious groups para ang Iloilo province mangin 100 percent drug-cleared,” Orbista said.
Drug Testing for Newly-elected Officials
Orbista said there is no law that requires newly-elected barangay officials to undergo a drug test.
However, he welcomed if they voluntarily undergo drug testing as it is one proof showing their sincerity in serving the community.
Orbista added that concerned LGUs can implement drug testing especially in promoting drug-free workplaces.
He is also confident that the intelligence units of the PNP and PDEA are monitoring those barangay and SK officials who have ties with illegal activities.
In Iloilo province, there were newly-elected officials who have already assumed office following the three-week transition period after the Oct. 30 barangay and SK elections.
Within these three weeks, the outgoing officials should have turned over the inventory reports to the incoming officials.
Included in the inventory reports are financial records and properties or equipment of the barangay, among others./PN
