Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 341)
The Executive Order provides guidelines on Section 4 of Republic Act No. 6679 regarding the postponement of barangay elections and prescribes rules for the conduct of these elections and the status of incumbent barangay officials.
Incumbent barangay officials shall remain in office unless sooner removed or suspended for cause with due process by order of the city or municipal mayor concerned until their successors are elected and qualified.
The city or municipal mayor concerned has the power to remove or suspend barangay officials for cause, subject to appeal to the President of the Philippines.
The barangay official may appeal the order of removal or suspension to the President of the Philippines. Pending appeal, the order shall not be executory.
"For cause" refers to grounds for suspension or removal under Section 60 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 337, including disloyalty to the Republic, culpable violation of the Constitution, dishonesty, oppression, misconduct in office, neglect of duty, commission of any offense involving moral turpitude, abuse of authority, and unauthorized absence for three consecutive months.
Removal or suspension must be effected only after due hearing and investigation in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Batas Pambansa Blg. 337 and Republic Act No. 6679.
Such acts shall be considered abuses of authority and will be dealt with according to law.
Administrative Order No. 18 dated February 12, 1987, which prescribes rules and regulations governing appeals to the Office of the President of the Philippines.
Yes, it applies to all incumbent barangay officials whether elected, appointed, or designated.
It took effect immediately upon its signing on November 8, 1988.