📷 panaynews.net
THE local government of Bangued, Abra suspended a barangay chairman and six other officials of Barangay Calaba over what the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) described as “heinous” punishment for improper waste disposal.
However, Barangay Calaba’s Sanggunian Secretary Eric Astudillo clarified that the 90-day suspension is preventive in nature – and not a penalty as many thought it is.
“Ang purpose lamang nito ay upang hindi maimpluwensyahan ang mga witnesses at upang hindi masira ang integrity ng mga records at iba pang mga dokumento,” said Astudillo in vernacular.
The suspension stemmed from a complaint filed by residents over a tarpaulin where penalties for litterbugs were posted – P1,000 for the first offense; P1,000 and eight hours of community service for the second offense and an image of a handgun for the third offense, for which the CHR issued a statement condemning Barangay Calaba.
According to the CHR, implying death sentence as penalty for improper waste disposal should not be taken lightly as it violates the 1987 Constitution which prohibits death penalty.
“Such cruel directives and offenses does not address the problem, instead, it only perpetuates confusion, perplexity, and distress among the constituents,” the CHR said in a statement. “These heinous remarks have not only caused social unrest but also posed a direct threat to the right to life.”
“Such ordinances must align with national laws and respect fundamental human rights, ensuring that they do not overstep legal and ethical boundaries,” it added.
“Local leaders are responsible for serving the immediate interests of their constituents. Above all, they should embody the morals and values of leadership, particularly in respecting everyone’s rights.”
CHR also gave a thumbs up to the local government of Bangued for acting on the complaint, which is also being investigated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty, gross dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. (ANGEL JOSE)
