Russell Morales Lavilla

Russell Morales Lavilla is the Punong Barangay currently leading Barangay Matho, part of the municipality of Cortes in Surigao Del Sur, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. Under Philippine law, the Punong Barangay is directly elected by the residents of the barangay.

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 Matho is one of 12 barangays in the municipality of Cortes, in the province of Surigao Del Sur, in the Caraga region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Matho had a population of 1,451 residents — the constituency that Russell serves as Punong Barangay. Surigao Del Sur 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). Russell 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.

The Sangguniang Barangay — which Russell Morales Lavilla leads — is the legislative body of a Philippine barangay. It passes barangay ordinances and resolutions, approves the annual barangay budget, and exercises oversight over the barangay's programmes and projects. Its composition includes the Punong Barangay, seven kagawads, the SK Chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, all accountable directly to residents.