Joel Manlapas Cabarles

Joel Manlapas Cabarles is the Punong Barangay currently leading Barangay Cabangcalan, part of the municipality of Aroroy in Masbate, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. Under Philippine law, the Punong Barangay is directly elected by the residents of the barangay.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, the Punong Barangay leads the Sangguniang Barangay, signs ordinances and resolutions, represents the barangay in transactions with other government units, administers the barangay budget and appropriations, and oversees the Lupong Tagapamayapa that handles amicable settlement of disputes at the barangay level. The office is the most directly accountable elected position in the Philippine government.

Barangay Cabangcalan is one of 41 barangays in the municipality of Aroroy, in the province of Masbate, in the Bicol Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Cabangcalan had a population of 1,220 residents — the constituency that Joel serves as Punong Barangay. Masbate is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Elected through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Joel Manlapas Cabarles is serving the current four-year term established under Republic Act No. 12232, which extended the barangay official's term from three years to four. The next BSKE will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, following COMELEC Resolution No. 11191.

As an elected Philippine public official, Joel Manlapas Cabarles is accountable to the residents of Barangay Cabangcalan and must comply with the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713), and other national laws. Barangay officials are required to file Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and are subject to the oversight of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Office of the Ombudsman.