By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has unanimously approved on third and final reading an ordinance establishing clearer and more structured procedures in handling administrative cases against barangay officials.

The measure aims to streamline the investigation and resolution of complaints, ensuring both accountability and the protection of due process at the grassroots level.

Under the ordinance, the city council formalizes a comprehensive system that covers the filing of complaints, evaluation of evidence, conduct of hearings, and issuance of decisions.

It seeks to address delays and procedural gaps that have long affected the handling of administrative cases involving barangay officials.

The city council is mandated under the Local Government Code of 1991 to hear and decide complaints involving barangay officials, including punong barangays, kagawads, barangay secretaries and treasurers, as well as Sangguniang Kabataan officials.

With the newly approved ordinance, administrative proceedings will follow a more summary and streamlined process.

The council’s Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Good Government will first determine the existence of a prima facie case before moving to full hearings.

The measure also outlines specific grounds for disciplinary action, such as dishonesty, misconduct, abuse of authority, and gross negligence, among other violations under existing laws.

To ensure efficiency, the ordinance sets clear requirements for filing verified complaints backed by affidavits and evidence, along with defined timelines for responses, hearings and resolution of cases.

It also grants authority to issue subpoenas, summon witnesses and require the submission of documents.

Safeguards are likewise included, such as limitations on preventive suspension, prohibition of anonymous complaints, and guarantees that all parties are given proper notice and an opportunity to be heard.

Decisions, the ordinance states, must be based on substantial evidence.

Mechanisms to prevent undue delays are also introduced, including restrictions on postponements, consolidation of related cases, and strict timelines for case resolution.

Councilor Caesar Distrito said the ordinance is a significant step toward strengthening accountability in local governance.

“This ordinance ensures that administrative complaints are handled promptly, fairly and transparently. It strengthens public trust while protecting both the rights of the complainant and the respondent,” Distrito said./CJ, WDJ