Barrio Autonomy Act - Republic Act No. 2370

All existing barrios at the time of the Act come under its provisions.
New barrios may be created or existing ones renamed upon petition by a majority of voters.
Creation or renaming requires approval by the provincial board, based on a two-thirds vote from the municipal council.
New barrios must have a population of at least 500.
Boundaries cannot be changed except by this Act or by Congress.
Boundary disputes within the same municipality are resolved by the municipal council, with appeal to the provincial board.
Disputes between different municipalities follow existing laws governing municipal boundaries.
Property rights remain with the barrio where the property is situated after boundary alterations.

Consists of all qualified electors registered as barrio assembly members and residents for at least six months.
Meets annually for the barrio council's report on activities and finances.
Can also meet for elections or upon call/petition.
Quorum requires one-third of members present.
Raising taxes or compensation and soliciting voluntary contributions require a two-thirds vote.
Other actions require a majority vote.
Notice of meetings must be given one week in advance except in emergencies.
Barrio lieutenant presides over assembly; secretary of barrio council serves as assembly secretary.

Made up of a barrio lieutenant, barrio treasurer, four council members, and vice barrio lieutenants.
Number of vice lieutenants corresponds to sitios or population.
Vice barrio lieutenants must be residents of their respective sitios.

Held at barrio assembly meeting on second Sunday of January in even years.
Called and presided over by barrio lieutenant.
Secret ballot voting; open voting allowed only by two-thirds vote.
Elected members assume office immediately and serve two years.
Members limited to three consecutive terms, with a two-year gap before reelection.
Disputes decided by a board of tellers and justice of the peace court; appeals to the court of first instance.

Must be a qualified elector and resident for at least six months.
Must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or imprisonment of at least one year.

The municipal mayor supervises barrio officials.
Investigates complaints under oath against barrio officers for neglect, oppression, corruption, or crimes.
May reprimand or submit charges to the municipal council.
Can suspend officers for up to thirty days pending action.
Municipal council follows administrative code procedures; decisions appealable to provincial board.

Barrio lieutenant presides over meetings, maintains order, organizes fire brigades and emergency groups.
Approves vouchers and enforces laws within the barrio.
Vice barrio lieutenants act as peace officers for their sitios.
Council members attend meetings and assist in duties.

Preference in government appointments and acquisition of public lands and franchises if service is proper.
Free hospitalization and medical care if incapacitated by duty-related causes.
Tuition fee exemption for children in public schools.

Promulgate barrio ordinances; submit to municipal council for approval within 15 days.
Ordinances take effect after 30 days unless disapproved; disputes referred to provincial fiscal.
Enforce ordinances with penalties up to Php 100 fine or 15 days imprisonment.
Construct and maintain public works within barrio (roads, bridges, parks, etc.) with eminent domain approval.
Undertake cooperative ventures to improve economic conditions.
Accept aid from government agencies within budget limits.
Initiate community economic and social programs.
Employ or support community development workers.
Suggest improvements to municipal council.
Publicize laws and community matters.
Hold benefits without Social Welfare permits; proceeds go to barrio fund.
Organize educational programs.
Regulate use of government-funded drying facilities; charge fees.
Form committees to address juvenile delinquency.
Appropriate funds as per barrio assembly decisions.

May raise funds by voluntary contributions and specific taxes subject to two-thirds assembly approval.
Taxes/licenses include stores, signs, gamecocks, and cockfights (without permitting cockfights).
May accept monies, materials, and labor for public works.
May receive grants and subsidies from government and private entities.
May collect up to 0.25% additional property tax; tax rates cannot exceed 50% of municipal rates.

Tax and funds ordinances may originate in barrio council or assembly.
Treasurer collects taxes (except real property tax), issues receipts, deposits collections with municipal treasurer.
Treasurer is bonded and custodian of funds and property.
Disburses funds via approved vouchers following auditing rules.
Travel expenses for officials may be provided.
Financial records audited annually by municipal treasurer.