DILG - Sta. Cruz Municipal Operations Office

26/03/2026

READ | DILG: MLGOOs STRENGTHEN RULE OF LAW, SUPPORT FAIR BARANGAY JUSTICE

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed the vital role of Municipal Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs) in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the Katarungang Pambarangay system functions effectively and fairly.

Within the Katarungang Pambarangay system, MLGOOs guide barangay officials in observing proper procedures for mediation and conciliation, including the issuance of summons, the conduct of hearings, and adherence to due process under Republic Act No. 7160.

The Department clarified that while the Lupon or Pangkat does not possess coercive power to physically compel attendance, the law provides clear consequences for unjustified non-appearance. Under Section 515 of the Local Government Code, refusal or willful failure to appear despite a valid summons may give rise to indirect contempt proceedings upon proper application before the court and may also affect the ability of parties to pursue claims or counterclaims.

The DILG underscored that the absence of direct coercive authority is distinct from the existence of legal repercussions for disobedience, which are enforced through the courts.

“Ang papel ng MLGOO ay tiyakin na ang proseso ay tama, malinaw, at naaayon sa batas. Sa ganitong paraan, napapanatili ang tiwala ng mamamayan sa ating mga institusyon,” the Department said.

The DILG also expressed concern over the treatment of MLGOO Dexter Castro Narrido during a recent television interview, where he was subjected to undue humiliation while correctly discussing the application of the law. While scrutiny and debate are part of public service, these must be exercised with fairness, respect, and a shared commitment to clarity and understanding.

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.

12/03/2026

𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝟭𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗕𝗦 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗨𝗠 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗚𝗟𝗚𝗕 𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

The SCABS Monthly Meeting cm 2026 Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangays (SGLGB) Orientation was successfully conducted. The orientation was led by MLGOO Leilanie Mae M. Aguilar, providing guidance on the SGLGB and its importance in strengthening good governance at the barangay level.

✨ Special thanks to 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙜𝙖𝙖𝙣 and Mommy Vergie (our birthday celebrant) for the warm hospitality and for helping make this activity productive, meaningful, and truly memorable.

Together, we continue to work towards responsive, transparent, and accountable local governance for all.

09/03/2026

TINGNAN | Marso ay Fire Prevention Month sa bisa ng Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A.

Hindi lang ito paggunita. Paalala ito na ang sunog ay kayang maiwasan kung may disiplina at tamang kaalaman.

Kaisa ang Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) sa panawagan ng pag-iingat sa bawat tahanan at komunidad. At sa oras ng emergency, isang tawag sa Unified 911 ang mag-uugnay sa agarang responde.

Ang kaligtasan ay responsibilidad nating lahat.

09/03/2026

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sends his warm greetings to all women as the nation marks International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month, honoring their enduring contributions to society and nation-building.

In his message, the President affirms that the administration remains steadfast in ensuring that every woman is heard, respected, and empowered, while opening more opportunities for women to lead and realize their full potential as partners in building a more just, inclusive, and hopeful Bagong Pilipinas.

26/02/2026

February 25, 2025 | The SCABS Meeting cm BIMS Workshop was successfully conducted, bringing together participants for a productive and informative session.

The activity focused on discussing important updates, sharing insights, and enhancing knowledge related to BIMS processes. Attendees actively participated in the discussions and collaborative exercises, making the event both engaging and meaningful.

Special thanks to ISA I Leo Tudayan for providing valuable assistance to our Barangay Secretaries, and to Barangay Bacsayan for hosting our meeting this February.

📷 Riz

23/02/2026

23/02/2026

20/02/2026

February 19, 2026 | 2026 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) Assessment was conducted as part of the continuing efforts to evaluate and recognize the performance of barangays in effectively implementing the Katarungang Pambarangay system and strengthening responsive local governance across the municipality.

The Municipal Awards Committee, headed by MLGOO Leilanie May M. Aguilar, together with the representatives from the DOJ, PNP, LnB, & CSO, carefully reviewed documents, records, and practices of each barangay to make sure they meet the required standards and guidelines. They also looked at how barangays handle dispute resolution, manage records, and carry out programs that promote transparency, accountability, and efficient public service.

04/02/2026

Warmest birthday greetings to our hardworking
LGOO II Rizza Mae R. Ramos 🎊💕

🎂 Your dedication and passion for public service truly make a difference. Wishing you a year filled with blessings, growth, and happiness.

Love from your DILG Family.

💻GIP Jan