DILG sets brgy assembly on Oct. 15, issues advisory on next brgy elections

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has set October 15, 2005 as the second barangay assembly day, per Memorandum Circular 2005-106 signed by Secretary Angelo T. Reyes on October 3, 2005.

During the assembly, barangay officials are expected to present their accomplishment report, financial report, and plans and programs for the barangay, among others. An open forum to pave way for exchange of ideas and opinions is also in order.

“We hope that the people would take this opportunity to directly participate in the decision-making process in their respective barangays,” advised DILG Regional Director Evelyn A. Trompeta.

“We also enjoin barangay officials to be serious in conducting the barangay assembly, because this is a means to open communication lines with their constituents and assess first-hand the needs of their community, in order for them to perform effectively,” Trompeta added.

In another development, the Congress of the Philippines has set the last Monday of October 2007 as the date for barangay elections. This is embodied in Republic Act 9340, entitled “An Act Amending Republic Act No. 9164, resetting the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, and for other purposes” approved by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on September 22, 2005.

Section 1 of RA 9340 reads, “Date of Election – There shall be synchronized barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections which shall be held on July 15, 2002. Subsequent synchronized barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections shall be held on the last Monday of October 2007 and every three years thereafter.”

The same law confirms that the term of office of barangay and SK officials elected under that act shall start on August 15, 2002, but the term of those to be elected in October 2007 shall start at noon of November 30, 2007.

Moreover, Section 5, provides for hold-over capacity for elected barangay officials (unless sooner removed or suspended for cause) until their successors shall have been elected and qualified, “Provided, however, that barangay and all sangguniang kabataan officials who are ex officio members of the sangguniang bayan, sangguniang panglungsod or sangguniang panlalawigan as the case may be shall continue to serve as such members in the sanggunian concerned until the next barangay election. The Liga ng mga Barangay at the municipal, city and provincial levels shall, within thirty days after the next barangay election, conduct elections for ex officio positions in the sanggunians under the supervision of DILG.

The Commission on Elections was tasked with appropriating funds for the elections, and promulgating implementing rules and reglations necessary for the implementation of the said Republic Act.