Abra SP orders capital town village execs in “death sentence over garbage dumping” to stay in posts

BAGUIO CITY (December 6, 2024) -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Abra ordered barangay officials in Calaba, Bangued, Abra to continue functioning as village officials while their suspension case is being reviewed. 

In an order this week, the SP told Calaba Barangay Captain Renato Brasuela, Barangay Kagawad Marjun S. Santiago, Carmelita Venus, Rosemel Viado and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson Daryll Blanes to continue with their village functions, while also ordering the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan of Bangued and all other persons acting under their instructions, to prevent the implementation of the Order of Suspension issued on July 31, 2024.

Earlier, the Bangued Sangguniang Bayan suspended the barangay officials for 90 days in connection to a controversial ordinance last February that sought to mete out “death” as a penalty for a third offense for illegally dumping trash.

Bangued town Mayor Mila A. Valera ordered the barangay officials to momentarily leave their posts for 90 days after the Sangguniang Bayan of Bangued found them guilty of Grave Misconduct, Grave Abuse of Authority, Gross Neglect of Duty, Gross Dishonesty, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.

But in a June 18, 2024 ruling, the court issued a TRO against the 90 day suspension of Brasuela, Santiago, Viado, Valera, Venus, and Blanes. 

The same TRO also ordered Barangay Kagawad Renante Borton “to cease and desist from performing as Punong Barangay and all other persons acting under his authority”.

On August 8, 2024, the suspended barangay officials filed an appeal with prayer for the immediate issuance of a stay order.

Upon reviewing the appeal and considering the arguments of the suspended officials, the SP led by Acting Vice Governor Russel Bragas was convinced to issue a “Stay Order” effective December 2, 2024.

The SP also ordered barangay officials who took over the positions of the suspended officials to cease and desist from functions they assumed.