Marcos signs law dividing Bagong Silang, Caloocan to 6 barangays

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure dividing Barangay 176, or Bagong Silang, in Caloocan City into six separate and independent barangays.

Signed on April 3, Republic Act 11993 states that Bagong Silang will be known as Barangay 176-A, Barangay 176-B, Barangay 176-C, Barangay 176-D, Barangay 176-E, and Barangay 176-F, with the territorial boundaries of each barangay created immediately with the existing "puroks" or "phases."

The new law states that the Commission on Election (Comelec) shall conduct and supervise the plebiscite to be held in Barangay 176 in the City of Caloocan within 90 days from the effectivity of the law.

It also mandates the appointment of interim barangay officials including the Punong Barangay, seven Sangguniang Barangay members, a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, and seven Sangguniang Kabataan members in each of the newly created barangays, who will be designated by the mayor.

The barangay officials are mandated to serve until their duly elected and qualified successors assume office.

Regarding the incumbent barangay officials, the law states that they shall continue to hold office until such time that the officials of the newly created barangays have been duly appointed.

Meanwhile, existing public infrastructure and facilities at the time of the approval of the Act shall be transferred without cost or compensation and shall be administered by the new barangays.

All newly created barangays shall be entitled to the National Allotment shares pursuant to Section 285 of Republic Act 7160, as amended, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Caloocan Mayor Along Malapitan said the division of the Barangay Bagong Silang, said to be the biggest barangay in the country, will result in better service to the people.

He said the local government and the Commission on Elections will begin preparations for the plebiscite to know whether or not the people are in favor of the law.

"We will respect whatever the result of the plebiscite would be," Malapitan said.— VDV, GMA Integrated News