Jonel Sanal Gatcho

Serving as Punong Barangay of Barangay Libertad in Dimataling, Zamboanga Del Sur, Jonel Sanal Gatcho is currently in the 2023 - 2026 term. The Punong Barangay is the most senior elected official of a Philippine barangay and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of local services.

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 Libertad is one of 24 barangays in the municipality of Dimataling, in the province of Zamboanga Del Sur, in the Zamboanga Peninsula region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Libertad had a population of 1,186 residents — the constituency that Jonel serves as Punong Barangay. Zamboanga 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). Jonel 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, Jonel Sanal Gatcho is accountable to the residents of Barangay Libertad 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.