The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 served another show cause order, this time on Mambaling Punong Barangay Gines Abellana and members of the Sangguniang Barangay (SB), for disregarding the minimum public health standards.
In an order dated July 20, DILG-7 Director Leocadio Trovela directed the said officials to explain their alleged failure to perform the mandated duties and functions of local chief executive and (SB) Members during a state of national health emergency.
The order was served this afternoon by DILG-7 Bantay Korapsyon lawyer Christian Fernandez.
Video and photos posted online by a local newspaper on July 13 and 18 showed residents outside of their homes disregarding the prescribed minimum public health standards like wearing of face mask and social distancing; prohibition of mass gathering; and strict home quarantine.
Residents were seen loitering in Sitio Alaska, children playing, and some huddled to witness a “sabong”.
There were also photos showing residents swimming near the construction site of Cebu’s third bridge at the South Road Properties.
Abellana and the SB members were given 48 hours from receipt of the order to submit their written explanation as to why no administrative charges should be filed against them.
DILG-7 has so far issued a total of 12 show cause orders to Cebu City barangay officials from Basak San Nicolas, Calamba, Inayawan, Guadalupe, Basak Pardo, Cogon Pardo, Sto. Niño, San Nicolas Proper, Capitol Site, Bulacao, and Mambaling.