DILG chief to barangay officials: Support the campaign vs corrupt cops, government officials

DILG Secretary and Liberal Party frontrunner for 2016 Mar Roxas (Photo from Roxas’ official Facebook page)

MANILA – Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Friday urged barangay (village) leaders nationwide to actively participate in the efforts of the national government to effectively implement the “Daang Matuwid” (straight path) program, including the campaign against corrupt policemen and government officials.

“Napakahalaga na kayo bilang barangay officials ay maging kabahagi ng prosesong ito, kasi alam ninyo kung ano ang reklamo ng mga kababayan ninyo. Puwede kayong maging taga-paghatid ng pangangailangan ng inyong mga kababayan (The role of barangay officials in this campaign is significant as you know the complaints of your fellowmen),” Roxas said.

In a meeting with barangay leaders, Roxas called on barangay officials not to hesitate and instead inform him or the DILG regional offices of any illegal and questionable activities of policemen and government officials in their areas.

“Iiwan ko ang aking pag-suporta sa inyo. Kung may kilala kayong tiwaling pulis na ginagamit ang posisyon niya, pangalan, kung ano ang ginagawa niya, i-text niyo lang iyan sa 09176276927 para mapa-imbestigahan ang ginagawa nila (I will support you. If you know a corrupt policeman who uses his position, name on what he does, just text me 09176276927 so I can investigate),” he said.

Roxas said any information coming from the barangay leaders would be welcome, whether these are police-related or activity-related in the implementation of the Grassroots Participatory Process (GPP).

The DILG chief stressed that GPP is an important program of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the government needs all the support and assistance of the community and civil society organizations to ensure that the project is properly implemented.

Roxas also encouraged barangay leaders to let him know of any and all concerns pertaining to matters affecting their communities.

He, however, clarified that informing him of barangay issues and concerns would not warrant immediate solution or action but he, being in the national government, can help find and facilitate appropriate remedies.

He likewise lauded the efforts of barangay officials that despite the dangers and challenges that they face in the delivery of basic services to their constituents, they continue to serve as the national government’s link to their respective communities.