BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has advised the newly elected punong barangays (PBs) here to consider legal action against their predecessors if they cannot account for missing barangay assets.
The city, comprising 61 barangays, has seen several new PBs report missing properties and funds upon assuming office.
To address these concerns, Benitez issued Memorandum No. 0169 establishing the City Assessment and Transition Team (CATT). This team is tasked with conducting the final inventory and overseeing the turnover of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) properties, financial records, documents, and properties (PFRDs), as well as money accountabilities.
The mayor explained that the accounting department of the city government and the Commission on Audit (COA) maintain records of barangay assets. They will be responsible for determining if anything is missing.
“If discrepancies are found, the previous PBs will be required to explain. Failing to do so, we will assist the new PBs in filing charges,” said Benitez.
Additionally, the mayor addressed concerns regarding zero funds in barangay accounts. The CATT will investigate how funds were expended and appropriated.
One such case was highlighted by Ma. Febe Legaspi, the punong barangay of Handumanan, who voiced her concerns through the “Isugid kay Mayor” program.
Legaspi reported a lack of financial records, leaving her uncertain about the available budget for hiring employees.
She also raised issues about unserviceable computers, an outstanding electricity bill of P74,000, unregistered barangay vehicles, and other matters./PN
