FAILURE to adhere to transparency in transactions involving public funds is punishable under existing Philippine jurisprudence, for which a local council unanimously approved a resolution suspending a village chief.
Citing Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Act of 1991), Angono, Rizal Mayor Gerardo Calderon slapped a 60-day preventive suspension against Annaliza Intalan in her capacity as chairperson of Barangay Kalayaan for refusal to release documents on transactions and spendings.
The suspension order took effect on April 15.
The case stemmed from administrative complaints filed by at least two members of the Sangguniang Barangay who accused Intalan of “neglect of duty, misconduct and abuse of authority.”
According to the complainants, Intalan ordered the Sanggunian members to sign ante-dated resolutions without supporting documents. When they allegedly sought for the supporting attachments, the barangay chief declined.
Intalan, has yet to issue a statement over the suspension order.
PAYROLL PADDING
Prior to the issuance of the preventive suspension, Intalan figured in a controversial CCTV footage that saw her instructing a staff member to falsify government records embarking on the barangay payroll.
Intalan was later summoned by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) local office to explain that ‘payroll padding’ video which went viral on social media.
Payroll padding — the practice of adding fictitious names to a manifest or inflating salary amounts — is a criminal offense under the Revised Penal Code. If proven, the charge of moral turpitude carries penalties of imprisonment and fines.
A guilty verdict also warrants dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
TRANSPARENCY
Transparency, a foundational element of democracy, is the practice of openly sharing information about decision-making, policies, and finances, enabling public oversight to reduce corruption, foster trust, and ensure accountability.
It empowers constituents to monitor public officials, enhances efficiency, and ensures taxes are used for public interest rather than personal gain.
To establish public trust, government agencies are bound to open its records on decisions, budgeting, and spending – a major component designed to reduce corruption and misuse of public funds.
Public access also prevents unethical behaviors and uncovers corruption. Transparency ensures officials are held responsible for their actions and decisions, encouraging civic participation in policy-making.
When public agencies are forced to disclose performance, they focus on actual outcomes rather than just activities.
PH JURISPRUDENCE
To date, there are laws and policies governing transparency in public office.
Under Republic Acts 12314 (General Appropriations Act), all government agencies — including local government units — must post mandates, budgets, procurement plans, and project status.
Aside from RA 12314, national policies referred to as Freedom of Information and Full Disclosure compels the executive branch to provide constituents access to official records, public records, decisions, financial documents (budget, revenue, expenditures) in public places and online.
In 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law RA 12009 (New Government Procurement Act) which further enhanced transparency in public bidding by promoting open contracting from planning to implementation.
