Monica Aguelo Espanola

As Punong Barangay of Barangay Panayakan, Monica Aguelo Espanola presides over the Sangguniang Barangay of the barangay in Tangalan, Aklan, 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).

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 Panayakan is one of 15 barangays in the municipality of Tangalan, in the province of Aklan, in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay Panayakan had a population of 3,119 residents — the constituency that Monica serves as Punong Barangay. Aklan 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). Monica 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, Monica Aguelo Espanola is accountable to the residents of Barangay Panayakan 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.