Ruben R. Peñol

Ruben R. Peñol holds the position of Punong Barangay in Barangay Banahaw, a barangay in the municipality of Malungon, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. As Punong Barangay, Ruben leads the elected Sangguniang Barangay and represents the community'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 Banahaw is one of 31 barangays in the municipality of Malungon, in the province of Sarangani, in the SOCCSKSARGEN region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Banahaw had a population of 2,089 residents — the constituency that Ruben serves as Punong Barangay. Sarangani 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). Ruben 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.

A Philippine barangay's Sangguniang Barangay is composed of one Punong Barangay, seven Sangguniang Barangay Members (kagawads), a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson representing the youth sector, a Barangay Secretary, and a Barangay Treasurer. Together, these officials administer the smallest unit of Philippine local government and deliver frontline services — from barangay clearance issuance to peace and order, from public health assistance to the barangay's share of the Internal Revenue Allotment.