BARANGAY chairpersons from across the city expressed mixed views last Saturday, June 14, regarding the removal of Gusa Barangay Chairman Marlo Tabac as executive vice president of the Liga ng mga Barangay.
Some leaders said Tabac deserves due process, while others argued the association must protect its integrity.
On June 5, 64 barangay chairmen, all Liga members, signed a petition citing a loss of trust and confidence in Tabac’s leadership.
ABC President Alam Lim convened the barangay chairmen on June 14 to discuss the matter further.
During the meeting, Lim presented three main reasons behind the petition: alleged misuse of the barangay checking account for personal purposes, poor governance as shown by delays in worker compensation, and the alleged withholding of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) funds.
However, Barangay 18 Chairman Federico Rivera argued that the Liga is an independent body and the issues in Barangay Gusa should be handled by proper authorities.
“Naay COA nga mu-investigate, and the DILG, kinsa man ta nga muhimo ana?” Rivera said, referring to the Commission on Audit and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Rivera added, “Basin ikalain ninyog sabot sa amoa, sa violet, bisan pag gutad-gutaron na si Tabac green ang makita ana nga dugo, dili violet,” addressing speculation that Tabac betrayed his political allies.
Meanwhile, Barangay 17 Chairman Anthony Atterviry, one of the petition signatories, emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in public office.
“Being a kapitan, kailangan intact atong integrity,” Atterviry said.
Barangay 23 Chairman Joshua Jaime Frias II cautioned against jumping to conclusions and pointed out the need for formal proceedings.
“We are not judges nga muhukom kang Tabac sa personal nya nga mga allegations sa iya. The signatures is only loss of trust and confidence, and the final arbiter is the Liga ng mga Barangay,” said Frias.
Frias added that the national Liga body will handle the due process and that the local petition was meant to protect the organization’s reputation.
Lim, for his part, said they could no longer ignore the grievances raised by Tabac’s constituents. He admitted fault for previously keeping quiet.
“Sayop sad nako gamay kay wala nako gi-expose tungod kay mura ratag igsuon, usa ka pamilya, pero siya man nag-unang storya nga walay ebidensya,” Lim said, adding that evidence was eventually presented.
Lim also questioned how Tabac could serve as an ABC president when he faces numerous complaints within his own barangay.
