An 82-year-old lupon member has filed administrative and criminal cases against her barangay captain and 17 fellow members in Barangay Apas, Cebu City, alleging illegal and politically motivated removal after more than three decades of service.
Complaint Filed with Provincial Prosecutor
In a lengthy complaint-affidavit submitted on March 25, 2026, to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Cebu, Emily Mendoza Malto accused Barangay Apas Captain Virgil Cabigon and all 17 members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa of grave abuse of authority, oppression, discrimination, grave misconduct, violation of due process, and breaches of Republic Acts 6713 and 3019.
Malto, a widow and long-time community leader from Sitio Anagan, Barangay Apas, said she was humiliated after receiving a “Withdrawal of Appointment” at her home on the morning of January 26, 2026. The notice ended her 32 years of uninterrupted service as a lupon member.
Allegations and Denials
The notice, signed by Cabigon and concurred by all members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, stated that her appointment was revoked due to unsuitability by reason of advanced age. However, Malto denied this justification, calling it false, malicious, and without legal basis.
“There was NO WARNING given to me by the said officials or any other official/s of the barangay either written or verbal for whatever reason or ground in my more than 30 years in the service,” Malto stated in her affidavit.
The case highlights issues of due process and potential political motivations in local governance. The Office of the Provincial Prosecutor is expected to evaluate the complaint and determine probable cause.
