Senate panel passes bill authorizing barangay chairmen to swear in officials

A joint Senate committee has approved a bill seeking to authorize punong barangay or barangay chairmen to administer the oath of office of any government official, including the President of the Philippines.

 

In his sponsorship speech Wednesday, Senator Ferdinand Marcos said Senate Bill 2693, when enacted into law, will amend Section 41 of the Administrative Code of 1987 which lists the officers authorized to administer oaths to include punong barangays.

 

The bill was prepared by the committees on local government, headed by Marcos, and constitutional amendments and revision of codes, headed by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

 

“This is an expanded authority, given to punong barangays and members of the lupon who under Section 420 of the Local Government Code of the 1991 are empowered to administer the oaths in connection with any matters relating to all proceedings in the implementation of the katarungang pambarangay,” Marcos said.
 

He said the Local Government Code define the powers and significant role of the punong barangay in enhancing the existence of the barangay as an integral part of the municipality or city.

 

“This is a valuable recognition of the important role of punong barangay in public service. Being one of the most important public officers that plays vital role in strengthening local governance, their active participation in political and economic development at the grassroots level cannot be overemphasized,” Marcos said.

 

He added that the punong barangay was a true representative of the people and at the frontline in delivering the quality service, it is most significant and truly symbolic for them to be given authority to administer the oath of office of any government official to include the President.

 

“They (punong barangay) are such an important part of public governance. This is a sturdier reminder to the civil servants and the people in general that true public service means utmost devotion and dedication to public office,” said Marcos.

 

At present, the President; Vice-President; members and secretaries of both Houses of the Congress; members of the Judiciary; secretaries of departments; provincial governors and lieutenant governors; city mayors; municipal mayors; bureau directors; regional directors; clerks of courts; registrars of deeds, other civilian officers in the public service of the government of the Philippines whose appointments are vested in the President and are subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments; all other constitutional officers; and notaries public are allowed to administer oath of government officials. —NB, GMA News