Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 2370)
Republic Act No. 2370 is officially titled 'An Act Granting Autonomy to Barrios of the Philippines' or the Barrio Charter.
Barrios are defined as units of municipalities or municipal districts where they are situated. They are quasi-municipal corporations with powers to perform certain government functions through their barrio governments in accordance with the law.
Barrios have the power to sue and be sued, contract, acquire and hold property, promulgate ordinances not inconsistent with law or municipal ordinances, raise funds through taxation and voluntary contributions, undertake public works and cooperative enterprises, and other powers necessary to perform their duties.
No new barrio may be created if its population is less than five hundred persons.
New barrios may be created or existing barrio names changed by the provincial board upon recommendation of the municipal council, following a petition of the majority of voters in the affected area.
The barrio assembly consists of all persons who are qualified electors, registered in the barrio assembly list, and have been residents of the barrio for at least six months.
A quorum requires at least one-third of barrio assembly members present. Raising taxes, payment of compensation, and solicitation of contributions require a two-thirds vote of those present. Other actions require a majority vote.
The barrio council includes the barrio lieutenant, barrio treasurer, four council members, and vice barrio lieutenants corresponding to the number of sitios or one vice barrio lieutenant per every two hundred inhabitants if there are no sitios.
Candidates must be qualified electors, residents of the barrio for at least six months prior to election, and must not have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or those punishable by at least one year imprisonment.
The municipal mayor supervises barrio officials, investigates complaints against them, may reprimand or suspend them pending council action, and submits charges to the municipal council. The council's decision is appealable to the provincial board whose decision is final.
The barrio lieutenant maintains public order, presides over barrio assemblies and councils, organizes emergency groups and fire brigades, approves disbursement vouchers, attends relevant conventions, and enforces laws and ordinances within the barrio.
Yes, barrio councils can promulgate ordinances not inconsistent with law or municipal ordinances. Such ordinances must be submitted to the municipal council within fifteen days after approval, where they take effect after thirty days unless disapproved.
Sources include voluntary contributions from residents aged 21 or older, licenses on stores and billboards, taxes on gamecocks and cockfights, contributions for public works, grants from government agencies, private donations, and an additional small percentage of assessed property taxes.
Ten percent of all real estate taxes collected within the barrio shall accrue to the barrio general fund.
Barrio council members hold office for two years and may not be elected to the same position for more than three consecutive terms. After two years from their last term's expiration, they may run again for the same position.