73 barangay execs face raps

BACOLOD CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is filing charges against officials of 73 villages all over the country before the Ombudsman this week for failure to organize their Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (Badac), a DILG official said.

In a speech during the opening of the 25th Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City on Saturday, DILG assistant secretary for legislative and external affairs, Ricojudge Janvier Echiverri, said the list would be given to the Ombudsman.

Vote for bets vs drugs

The DILG official, who made the announcement at the start of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the barangay elections in May, called on voters to vote for barangay officials who were not involved in drugs.

“Vote for barangay officials who are not only good, but who are [also] not afraid to fight against the proliferation of illegal drugs, and to name the drug lords and pushers in their areas,” he urged.

“Barangay officials who condone the involvement of their constituents in illegal drugs should not be elected into office,” he added.

Fight drugs or don’t run

Echiverri told those running for barangay posts that if they were afraid to fight the proliferation of illegal drugs, they should give the job to those who could.

“If you are afraid, don’t run, give the position to those who are courageous and [has] the commitment to fight,” he said, adding “you have to activate your Badac.”

“We encourage barangay officials to participate in strengthening their Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils,” he said.

They have to organize, fund and plan it, he added.