Neutrality in Barangay Halls (and Walls)

The recent controversy surrounding the display of Raisa Treñas-Chu’s photo at the Brgy. Lopez Jaena hall in Jaro district, Iloilo City, has roused the hornets’ nest when it comes to the political neutrality of barangay officials.

While there are no explicit laws governing the display of officials’ photos in barangay halls, the principle of delicadeza—moral propriety and sensitivity—should guide the actions of our public servants.

Barangay officials are mandated by Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) to uphold political neutrality. This law emphasizes that public service must be delivered without discrimination and independent of party affiliations. Any deviation from this principle, such as promoting a particular candidate by displaying their photo in a public office, undermines the integrity of public service.

The incident came to light after a concerned resident posted on Facebook, questioning the appropriateness of Treñas-Chu’s photo being featured alongside Mayor Jerry Treñas and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon.

This act, especially given the mayor’s recent endorsement of his daughter for Congress, raises eyebrows and fuels suspicions of political bias within the barangay’s administration.

Further compounding the issue was the village councilor’s refusal to allow media verification of the photo, citing instructions from Punong Barangay Albert Santiago. This resistance to transparency only exacerbates public distrust and suggests that there might be something to hide.

In the absence of a specific legal framework, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provides guidelines on governance practices, which include maintaining office decorum and orderliness.

While it is customary to display the photos of the president, vice president, mayor, vice mayor, and congressperson, the inclusion of a prospective candidate’s photo in a barangay hall could be seen as an act of political partisanship.

Local government units (LGUs) have a degree of autonomy in their practices. However, this autonomy should not be misused to further political ambitions.

The Omnibus Election Code and executive memoranda from Malacañang also underscore the necessity for public officials to refrain from engaging in partisan political activities, especially during election periods.

The principle of delicadeza demands that public officials act with the highest moral propriety and sensitivity. Barangay officials must avoid actions that compromise their neutrality and the public’s trust. This incident should serve as a reminder for all barangay officials to adhere strictly to the principles of impartiality and transparency.

Maintaining the public’s trust requires more than just following the law; it requires a commitment to ethical standards and a dedication to serving the community without bias. In the case of Brgy. Lopez Jaena, the display of photos in the barangay hall should reflect a commitment to these values, ensuring that all actions taken are in the best interest of the public and free from any political agenda.