Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________
Introduced by Representative Ambrosio “Boy” C. Cruz, Jr.
AN ACT FIXING A NEW TERM OF OFFICE FOR BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
It is undeniable that in the political landscape of the Philippines, barangays, as
its basic political unit, play a crucial role in efficiently implementing national
government policies, programs, and activities. Additionally, Section 384 of Republic Act
No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, states that the
Barangay serves as the primary planning unit of the government at the grassroots level,
and is likewise “a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be expressed,
crystallized, and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled.”
Given the gargantuan responsibility entrusted with our barangay officials, it is
high time that we increase their term of office from three (3) years to (6) years. This
adjusted term of office would be cost-effective to the national government. This will
enable us to save billions of pesos in election resources and costs, and instead use the
said supposed budget to address immediate and imminent causes of concern for the
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government including, but not limited to, inflation, increasing unemployment rate, fuel,
and food prices.
Moreover, there have been countless postponements of barangay elections
recorded in the past decades. These postponements are clear indications of the
inadequacy of their term of office, for them to properly implement their own policies, as
well as that of the National Government. Most often than not, the change of leadership
due to the short duration of their term results in deviation from the well-planned
policies of the administration. Consequently, the delivery of basic and social services to
the constituents, and the promotion of the general welfare, are neglected or hampered.
In conclusion, it is beneficial to increase the term of office of our barangay
elective officials from three years to six years, to properly and thoroughly comply with
the mandate of the National Government, and to create policies of their own that would
answer to the needs of their respective communities, without about the next election.
The passage of this bill is sought in accordance with the provisions of the 1987
Philippine Constitution, specifically Section 25 of Article II, and Section 8 of Article X,
ensuring the autonomy of local governments, and mandating the terms of office of
barangay officials to be determined by law, respectively.
Considering the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
AMBROSIO “BOY” C. CRUZ, JR.
Representative, Fifth District of Bulacan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. ___________
Introduced by Representative Ambrosio “Boy” C. Cruz, Jr.
AN ACT FIXING A NEW TERM OF OFFICE FOR BARANGAY OFFICIALS AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
Section 1. Term of Office. – The term of office of all elected barangay officials shall be
increased to six (6) years. No barangay elective official shall serve for more than two (2)
consecutive terms in the same position. Voluntary renunciation of office for any length
of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of service for the full
term for which the elective official was elected.
Section 2. Date of Election. – The next regular barangay elections shall be held on the
last Monday of October 2029, and every six (6) years thereafter.
Section 3. Assumption of Office. – The term of office of the elected barangay officials in
the October 2029 elections and subsequently thereafter, shall commence at noon of
November 30 next following their election.
Section 4. Hold-Over. – Until their successors have been duly elected and qualified, all
incumbent barangay officials shall remain in office unless sooner removed or suspended
for cause.
Section 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -  The Commission on Elections
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(COMELEC) shall promulgate such rules and regulations necessary, within ninety (90)
days, after the effectivity of this Act.
Section 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, resolutions, instructions and
rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby
deemed repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force
and effect.
Section 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its publication in
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general and national circulation.
Approved,