Joselito Amit Ablaneda

Serving as Punong Barangay of Barangay Catandunganon in Mercedes, Camarines Norte, Joselito Amit Ablaneda 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 Catandunganon is one of 26 barangays in the municipality of Mercedes, in the province of Camarines Norte, in the Bicol Region region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Catandunganon had a population of 352 residents — the constituency that Joselito serves as Punong Barangay. Camarines Norte is classified as a 2nd by the Bureau of Local Government Finance.

Elected through the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, Joselito Amit Ablaneda is serving the current four-year term established under Republic Act No. 12232, which extended the barangay official's term from three years to four. The next BSKE will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, following COMELEC Resolution No. 11191.

As an elected Philippine public official, Joselito Amit Ablaneda is accountable to the residents of Barangay Catandunganon 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.