26/03/2026
There is a difference between a strong opinion and a correct one. The Local Government Code draws that line clearly. If we are going to speak of the law in public, we owe the public the courtesy of getting it right.
Our MLGOO Dexter Narrido, was recently invited as a resource speaker on a talk show. The issue arose premised on the (erroneous) assertion that barangays supposedly have no authority to compel the attendance of parties and witnesses. Dexter, correctly argued that the statement is incorrect and in fact cited the correct legal provision under RA 7160:
Section 515 of the Local Government Code provides:
“Refusal or willful failure of any party or witness to appear before the lupon or pangkat in compliance with a summons issued pursuant to the provisions on the Katarungang Pambarangay… may be punished by the city or municipal court as for indirect contempt of court upon application filed therewith by the lupon chairman, the pangkat chairman, or by any of the contending parties.”
Barangays do not “compel” in the same way courts do. But the law ensures that summons issued in barangay proceedings are not meaningless pieces of paper. While barangays themselves do not wield contempt powers in the judicial sense, the law expressly provides the means to enforce attendance through the courts.
Dexter, stand easy. You represented not just yourself, but every MLGOO who does the quiet, difficult work of making the law real at the grassroots. The law is on your side, and more importantly, so is the institution that you serve.
We are proud of you.
