DILG: File anti-epal complaints vs local execs in proper forum

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged the public Monday to step forward and file their ''anti-epal'' complaints against local public officials in the proper forum. 

“May mga administrative cases na puwedeng i-file sa kanila at maaring mapatawan from preventive suspension to suspension,'' Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a press statement. 

(There are administrative cases that can be lodged against them and they can be penalized with preventive suspension and suspension.) 

The agency said the complaints against erring and ''epal'' elected and appointed officials of the barangays should be filed in the proper forum, as stated under Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991.

This law institutes the protocols in filing complaints for all local government officials, including barangay leaders.

Remulla had said that ''anti-epal'' guidelines are already in place under the rules of the Department of Budget and Management and the Office of the President. 

These rules prohibit politicians from placing their names, photos, or logos on government-funded projects.

According to DILG-National Barangay Operations Office Director Dennis Villaseñor, complaints against elected barangay officials, such as the punong barangay, sangguniang barangay members,and sangguniang kabataan chair, could be lodged before the higher level of governance within the locality.

Section 61 (c) of the Code states that a complaint against any elective barangay official shall be filed before the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan concerned. 

Further, the decision on the complaint shall be final and executory.

The Code also indicates that if the evidence of guilt is strong, a single preventive suspension can be imposed against the barangay official, which can be extended to 60 days.

Meanwhile, possible complaints against barangay officials may be lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman. 

The DILG official said that Section 21 of Republic Act No. 6770 prescribes that the Office of the Ombudsman has disciplinary authority over all elective and appointive officials of the government and its subdivisions, instrumentalities, and agencies, which includes all barangays.

He emphasized that complaints against a barangay official must not be filed in both the higher sanggunian and the Office of the Ombudsman, as this may only result in the dismissal of the complaint.

“Kung nai-file ninyo po sa parehong forum, sa aming pananaw, baka madi-dismiss lang po iyan dahil magiging ‘forum shopping,''' Villaseñor said. 

(If you've filed the complaint in both fora, this could only be dismissed.) 

Relevant documentation must be presented to the receiving body, such as a formal complaint that is substantiated and supported by relevant pieces of evidence, according to the DILG official. 

When he signed the national budget, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the government would “strictly implement” the provision that bars politicians from distributing cash and other forms of financial assistance.

The word “epal” is Filipino slang for someone who wants attention or wants to be noticed, especially in a way that’s inappropriate or self-serving. 

In politics, it usually refers to officials who take credit for government projects to boost their public image or electoral appeal. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News