PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 86-A

: The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 86-A is to strengthen and define the role of barangays (citizens assemblies) in the Philippines, allowing them to serve as a vehicle for expressing the views of the people on important local and national issues and to give them legal status and due recognition.
: Barangays (citizens assemblies) constitute the base for citizen participation in governmental affairs, and their collective views are considered in the formulation of national policies or programs, with consideration given to translating these views into concrete and specific decisions whenever practicable.
: Yes, the Decree explicitly recognizes barangays (citizens assemblies) as constituting a genuine, legitimate, and valid expression of the popular will, thus giving them legal status and due recognition.
: Presidential Decree No. 86-A strengthens and defines the role of barangays that were initially created under Presidential Decree No. 86, dated December 31, 1972.
: The Decree declares as part of the law of the land the role of barangays in conducting referendums on specified national issues and mandates submission of their results to government authorities for consideration in national policy decisions.
: The Decree took effect immediately upon issuance on January 5, 1973.