James Bahinting Diolan

James Bahinting Diolan holds the position of Punong Barangay in Barangay Behind The Clouds, a barangay in the municipality of Batuan, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. As Punong Barangay, James leads the elected Sangguniang Barangay and represents the community's local government unit.

The Punong Barangay is the chief executive of the barangay, the smallest and most local unit of government in the Philippines. Duties under Section 389 of RA 7160 include enforcing barangay ordinances, organising and leading an emergency response team, calling and presiding over sessions of the Sangguniang Barangay, maintaining public order through the Lupong Tagapamayapa (peace council), and supervising the delivery of basic services to residents.

Barangay Behind The Clouds is one of 15 barangays in the municipality of Batuan, in the province of Bohol, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Behind The Clouds had a population of 243 residents — the constituency that James serves as Punong Barangay. Bohol is classified as a 1st by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Barangay officials in the Philippines are elected during the synchronised Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). James currently holds office under the mandate established by the October 30, 2023 BSKE. The next BSKE, at which this position will again be contested, is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026.

As an elected Philippine public official, James Bahinting Diolan is accountable to the residents of Barangay Behind The Clouds 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.