Merla Dela Rosa Dela Cruz

Merla Dela Rosa Dela Cruz is the current Punong Barangay of Barangay Espinosa in City of Masbate, Masbate, Philippines, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. The position — also commonly referred to as Barangay Captain — is the elected head of the barangay's local government unit.

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 Espinosa is one of 30 barangays in the City of Masbate, in the province of Masbate, in the Bicol Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Espinosa had a population of 7,123 residents — the constituency that Merla serves as Punong Barangay. Masbate 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). Merla 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, Merla Dela Rosa Dela Cruz is accountable to the residents of Barangay Espinosa 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.