Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5 86

Introduced by Representative Jaime R. Fresnedi

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to correct a gap in the implementation of Republic Act No. 7160. or the
Local Government Code (LGC), when it comes to renaming barangays. Section 13 of the LGC
gives cities and municipalities the power to pass ordinances to change the name of barangays
jurisdiction, provided that the change is done in consultation with the National
Historical Commission and is ratified by a plebiscite of affected residents. However, even when
ratified in a plebiscite, the existence of a national law which created or previously renamed the
barangay in question prevents national government agencies from using the ratified name,
except when provided for by another national law.

This situation effectively curtails the power provided by the LGC to the city or
municipality, as the change does not take effect at all due to the use of a different name by
national government agencies. This can create confusion, where a barangay’s customary name
is different from its official name, depending on the source.

This bill resolves this conundrum by explicitly stating that the renaming is considered
effective once ratified by a plebiscite and providing a mechanism for implementation among
national government agencies without need for amending the law which created, named, or
renamed the barangay.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

JAIM 'SNEDI
resentative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._586

Introduced by Rep. Jaime R. Fresnedi

AN ACT
RATIONALIZING THE POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO RENAME
BARANGAYS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 13 of Republic Act No. 7160 is hereby amended to read as follows:

“SECTION 13. Naming of Local Government Units and Public Places, Streets
and Structures.

“XXXXX

“(g) The change of name of any local government unit shall be effective only upon
ratification in a plebiscite conducted for the purpose in the political unit directly
affected|.]: PROVIDED, THAT FOR BARANGAYS NAMED OR RENAMED BY
LAW PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT SHALL NOT NEED TO
HAVE THE SAID LAW AMENDED TO MAKE THE NAME CHANGE
EFFECTIVE;

“(h) In any change of name, the Office of the President, the representative of the
legislative district concemed, THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG), and the Bureau of Posts shall be notified.

“() THE DILG SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INFORMING ALL
INSTRUMENTALITIES OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT OF THE
CHANGE, WHICH THEY SHALL IMPLEMENT NOT MORE THAN NINETY
(90) DAYS AFTER RATIFICATION.”


SEC. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DILG, in cooperation and
consultation with all relevant government agencies, shall promulgate the rules and regulations
for the proper implementation of this Act within six (6) months from its effectivity.

SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. — All Acts, Presidential Decrees, Executive Orders and
Administrative Orders, Rules and Regulations and other such issuances or parts thereof which

are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 4. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,