HOUSE OF REPRES!
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH (16") CONGRI
Second Regular Session

5396

House Bill No.

Introduced by: Representative Jose L. Atienza, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.
This Bill seeks the creation of a Council of Elders in every Barangay.

Most of our senior citizens, after having spent the most productive years
of their lives contributing to the development of their respective communities in
particular and the country in general, spend their twilight years unattended and
wasting away.

The barangays, being the smallest local government units, would be the
best venues where our senior citizens ~ with their reservoir of wisdom and
wealth of experience - can be tapped to participate in different activities, help
solve the problems confronting their barangays, and contribute greatly to the
development of the same. It is our firm belief that development of local
government units (LGUs) could be one of the biggest boosters of national
development.

This will likewise be a concrete recognition of the invaluable and special
role they have always played in society. Not to mention that many of our senior
citizens today are in need of special care and attention and the budget allocated
for the members of this council would be a big help for their medical and other
needs.



Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH (16) CONGRESS
Second Regular S

House Bill No.

Introduced by: Representative Jose L. Atienza, Jr.

AN ACT
CREATING A COUNCIL OF ELDERS IN EVERY BARANGAY, DEFINING ITS
POWERS AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the “Barangay
Council of Elders Act."

SEC, 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ Declaration of Policy ~ Consistent with
the principle of providing equal opportunity to each and every member of
the community, it is a policy of the state, under Article II Section 23 of the
Constitution, to encourage non governmental community based, or
sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.

In the same manner, Article II Section 26 of the Constitution
guarantees equal opportunities for Public Service.

SEC. 3. Creation and Appointment. -

(a) There shall be in every barangay a Council of Elders to be composed of
eleven (11) members, who shall elect among themselves their Council
Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

(b) The Council of Elders will be appointed by the Barangay Chairman,
upon consultation with the local community.

SEC, 4. Meetings of the Council of Elders. - The Council of Elders shall meet
at least once every month, or at the call of the Barangay Chairman, or upon
written petition by at least 5% of registered Senior Citizens of the Barangay.

SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Council of Elders. - The Council of
Elders shall:


(a) Promulgate resolutions prioritizing concerns senior citizens in
particular, and problems besetting the Barangay in general, to be
approved by the Barangay Chairman;

(b) Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic,
cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of the
members;

(c) Submit annual and end-of-term reports to the Barangay Chairman on
their projects and activities;

(d) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and
functions as the Barangay Chairman may determine or delegate; and

(e) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC, 6. Qualifications, - An appointed official of the Council of Elders must
bea citizen of the Philippines, a qualified voter, a resident of the barangay for at
least one (1) year immediately prior to appointment, at least sixty (60) years of
age on the day of his appointment, able to read and write Filipino, English, or the
local dialect, and must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral
turpitude,

SEC. 7. Term of Office. - The Council of Elders chairman and members
shall be co-terminus with the Barangay Chairman, unless sooner removed for
cause, permanently incapacitated, die or resign from office.

SEC. 8. Powers and Duties of the Council of Elders Chairman, - In addition
to the duties which may be assigned to him by the Barangay Chairman, the
Council of Elders chairman shall:

(a) Call and preside over all meetings;

(b) Implement policies, programs, and projects for Senior Citizens within
his jurisdiction in coordination with the Barangay;

(c) Exercise general supervision over the affairs and activities within his
jurisdiction;

(a) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 9. Council of Elders Secretary. - The Council of Elders secretary shall:
(a) Keep all records;

(b) Prepare and keep the minutes of all meetings;


shall:

(6) Perform such other duties and discharge such other functions as the
chairman may prescribe or direct.

SEC. 10. Council of Elders Treasurer, - The Council of Elders treasurer

(a) Take custody of all Council of Elders property and funds not otherwise
deposited with the city or municipal treasurer;

(b) Collect and receive contributions, monies, materials, and all other
sources intended for the Council of Elders;

(c) Disburse funds in accordance with an approved budget of the Council
of Elders;

(d) Certify to the availability of funds whenever necessary;

(e) Submit to the Barangay Chairman certified and detailed statements of
actual income and expenditures at the end of every month; and

(8 Perform such other duties and discharge such other functions as the
chairman may direct.

SEC. 11. Succession and Filling of Vacancies. -

(a) Incase a Council of Elders chairman refuses to assume office, fails to
qualify, is convicted of a felony, voluntarily resigns, dies, is permanently
incapacitated, is removed from office, or has been absent without leave
for more than three (3) consecutive months, the Council will appoint from
among the members who shall assume the office of the chairman for the
unexpired portion of the term, and shall discharge the powers and duties,
and enjoy the rights and privileges appurtenant to the office.

(b) After the vacancy shall have been filled, the Barangay Chairman will
fill the vacancy in the Council of Elders with a new appointment.

SEC. 12. Appropriation. - ‘The Council of Elders budget shall be

appropriated ten percent (10%) of the Barangay fund.

SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders or parts

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

SEC. 14. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid

or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force
and effect.

SEC. 15. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation.


Approved.