LUMBAN, Laguna — A sitting Barangay Captain of Barangay Caliraya in the town of Lumban, Laguna was arrested during an entrapment operation conducted on Wednesday, December 24, raising serious concerns about integrity in local governance and land transactions.

According to initial police reports, the barangay official was apprehended after allegedly receiving ₱500,000 in marked money, which authorities claim was a down payment for a parcel of land in Caliraya that he was offering for sale. Investigators disclosed that the transaction was supported only by a Tax Declaration, while the actual land title was reportedly registered under the name of another individual—an issue that triggered suspicion and eventually led to the operation.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that tax declarations alone do not establish ownership and warned the public against entering land deals without verified titles. The case highlights a recurring problem in rural and lakeside communities, where informal land transactions are often conducted based on incomplete or questionable documentation.

The barangay captain, however, firmly denied the accusations. He maintained that the sale was legitimate and insisted that all documents related to the land were in order. He also claimed that the allegations against him were unfair and premature, stressing that due process must be observed.

Authorities stated that a full investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of liability and whether other individuals may be involved. From a broader perspective, this incident underscores the need for stronger safeguards in land transactions and heightened accountability among elected officials. As community leaders, barangay officials are entrusted with public confidence, and any allegation of misconduct—especially involving large sums of money—can significantly erode public trust. While guilt has yet to be established, the case serves as a stark reminder that transparency and ethical leadership are essential foundations of effective local governance. (Larawan: John Consulta / Facebook)