House Committee Advances Magna Carta for Barangays to Empower Village Officials
The House Committee on Local Government-Subcommittee on Local Officials and Personnel conducted a crucial hearing on Thursday, February 5, 2026, focusing on bills that propose the establishment of a Magna Carta for Barangays. The session, held at the House of Representatives in Manila, saw Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III strongly advocating for the passage of this long-overdue legislation, which aims to provide enhanced protection and stronger institutional support to village officials across the Philippines.
Speaker Dy Emphasizes Barangay Officials as True Frontliners
In his address before the subcommittee, Speaker Dy highlighted that barangay officials serve as the true frontliners of government, deserving dignity, protection, and robust institutional backing. He expressed gratitude to the committee members for their dedicated efforts in advancing the proposed bills, including House Bill No. 3533, which he personally authored. Dy stressed that this measure is essential for recognizing the critical role these local leaders play in daily governance and community welfare.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Magna Carta
The proposed Magna Carta for Barangays encompasses several significant provisions designed to uplift the barangay system. Key aspects include:
- Improving compensation and benefits for Punong Barangays, Kagawads, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, and barangay personnel.
- Ensuring the availability of basic services and facilities, such as barangay halls and health centers, to enhance community infrastructure.
- Strengthening the barangay as a fundamental institution, enabling it to more effectively fulfill its role as the primary unit of governance in the country.
Dy Draws from Personal Experience to Advocate for Change
Drawing from his extensive background in public service, Speaker Dy shared his personal insights to underscore the importance of the measure. As a former barangay captain, mayor, and governor, he noted that barangay officials are often the first responders and primary points of contact during crises. He elaborated that these officials implement government programs, craft ordinances through the sangguniang barangay, mediate disputes via the Katarungang Pambarangay, and collaborate in peacekeeping and law enforcement efforts.
“Bilang isang dating barangay captain, sa barangay po ako nagsimula sa serbisyo publiko,” Dy remarked, emphasizing his deep-rooted connection to grassroots governance.
Barangay Officials: Multifaceted Roles and Pandemic Contributions
Speaker Dy further highlighted the multifaceted responsibilities of barangay officials, describing them as functioning as the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches combined at the local level. He pointed out that no other tier of government is as intimately connected to the daily lives of ordinary Filipinos. Additionally, Dy commended the indispensable role barangay officials played during the Covid-19 pandemic, where they enforced health protocols, delivered assistance, and remained steadfast in their communities despite personal risks.
“Sila ang unang nilalapitan kapag may problema, unang kumikilos kapag may krisis, at kadalasan, sila rin ang huling umaalis kapag tapos na ang problema,” he stated, illustrating their unwavering commitment.
Vision for Strengthened Barangays and National Progress
The Speaker framed the bill as a means to grant barangay leaders the dignity and recognition they rightfully deserve, positioning them not merely as policy implementers but as vital partners in addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. He expressed optimism that, with the committee’s support, the proposed measure can be advanced in the 20th Congress, aligning with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas and ultimately bringing government closer to the people.
“Kapag pinalakas natin ang barangay, mas nararamdaman ng taumbayan ang gobyerno,” Dy concluded, reinforcing the bill’s potential to enhance public perception and effectiveness of governance.
