Melchor Doctor Santiago

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Batang, Melchor Doctor Santiago presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Irosin, Sorsogon, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. The Punong Barangay is a nationally recognised local government position under the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160).

As the head of the smallest tier of Philippine local government, the Punong Barangay is responsible for everything from maintaining peace and order within the barangay to supervising the Barangay Development Plan, enforcing national and local laws within the barangay boundaries, and representing residents in the wider city or municipal government. The position is held for a four-year term under Republic Act No. 12232.

Barangay Batang is one of 28 barangays in the municipality of Irosin, in the province of Sorsogon, in the Bicol Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Batang had a population of 2,281 residents — the constituency that Melchor serves as Punong Barangay. Sorsogon is classified as a 2nd by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Barangay officials in the Philippines are elected during the synchronised Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Melchor 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 Melchor Doctor Santiago 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.