Merly C Becodo

Merly C Becodo is the Punong Barangay currently leading Barangay San Miguel Ilaya, part of the municipality of Tapaz in Capiz, serving the 2023 - 2026 term. Under Philippine law, the Punong Barangay is directly elected by the residents of the barangay.

The Punong Barangay is the chief executive of the barangay, the smallest and most local unit of government in the Philippines. Duties under Section 389 of RA 7160 include enforcing barangay ordinances, organising and leading an emergency response team, calling and presiding over sessions of the Sangguniang Barangay, maintaining public order through the Lupong Tagapamayapa (peace council), and supervising the delivery of basic services to residents.

Barangay San Miguel Ilaya is one of 58 barangays in the municipality of Tapaz, in the province of Capiz, in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, Barangay San Miguel Ilaya had a population of 1,210 residents — the constituency that Merly serves as Punong Barangay. Capiz 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). Merly 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, Merly C Becodo is accountable to the residents of Barangay San Miguel Ilaya 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.