National Liga Ng Mga Barangay Recognizes Tabac As Still Vice President Of CDO Liga

By Mona Lagbas

June 27, 2025, Cagayan de Oro City_Calling as premature the request of the Cagayan de Oro Chapter of the Liga ng mga Barangay to svhedule a special election to fill the position of the local Liga Vice President, the National Liga Chapter, said in a reply to a resolution filed by the CDO Liga, that the requisites of a permanent vacancy, (CDO Liga VP), have not been established.

Gusa Punong Barangay Marlo Tabac shows a copy of a National Liga Ng Mga Barangay reply to a resolution of the CDO Liga chapter.

In a resolution dated June 16, 2025, National Liga President Maria Katrina Jessica Dy maintained that Gusa Punong Barangay Marlo Tabac remains as the duly recognized Vice President of the CDO Liga chapter. Dy cited that under the constitution and by laws of the Liga, mere loss of confidence does not create a legal basis to vacate an elective or appointive position within the Liga hierarchy. She added that there is no allegation nor documentation of resignation on the part of Hon. Tabac, nor is there any resolution or due processed-based proceeding indicating that he was formally removed in accordance with the removal provisions of the 2025 constitution and by laws. She likewise said that there is no claim of death, incapacity nor disqualification. She also noted that 'loss of trust and confidence' is neither a recognized ground for removal nor a valid basis for declaring a permanent vacancy under the 2025 constitution and by laws. The Liga national president added that any declaration of a permanent vacancy arising from "loss of trust and confidence" must be consistent with due process, including the right of the officer concerned to be heard, present evidence, and defend oneself. She said that the record is silent on whether Tabac was afforded these basic procedural rights prior to the adoption of the subject resolution.

Reiterating its oversight authority, Dy asserted that the National Liga is bound to ensure that all actions taken by its chapters are in accordance with the 2025 constitution and by laws. Saying that any departure from these rules, especially in matters as sensitive as declaring a position as vacant, must be carefully scrutinized and rejected when it lacks legal basis.