November 03, 2023
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said that a maximum three-week transition period is set for newly elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials (BSKOs) to properly and smoothly assume office.
He explained that the allotted transition period is important as this will spell the difference whether the incoming officials could immediately buckle down to work or not.
“Ang transition period na binibigay natin ay three weeks. Napaka-importante na ma-turn-over sa mga bagong opisyal properly ang properties ng barangay. Ilang computer ‘yan, ilang kotse ’yan. Are they in good condition?” he said in a recent press briefing.
He continued: “Baka pag-upo niyo diyan wala ng laman ang barangay hall.”
To ensure smooth transition, Abalos announced the issuance of DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2023-166, which newly-elected SK and barangay officials can use as guide prior and during their assumption.
Likewise, outgoing BSKOs were instructed to submit the final inventory of the Barangay and SK properties, financial records, documents, and properties (PFRDs) and money accountabilities and to ensure turnover of the same to the incoming or newly elected BSKOs.
“Ayaw po nating magkagulo. Inuulit ko po ang announcement na ito sapagkat this will cover all the barangays and SK sa (buong) Pilipinas. Pagka-oath mo, coordinate with our DILG officer na nasa ground at binigyan namin sila ng instructions dito na magkaroon ng proper turnover,” he said.
He also clarified that he was prompted to issue the guidelines following the advice of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that winning barangay and SK election candidates, upon being proclaimed and taking their oath, can effectively assume office.
“Kami sa DILG, susundin namin ang Comelec. Baka magkaroon lang tayo ng problem on the ground,” he stressed.
“Bakit? Kung bago ka, kailangan mo mag-appoint ng bagong treasurer, secretary. Kailangan mo ng resolution sa barangay para sa bagong bank account at kailangan ka pa magpost ng bond. Siguro, it will take two to three weeks bago mangyari iyon,” he elaborated.
In the DILG MC 2023-166, newly elected BSKOs are urged to secure or comply with the bonding requirements and other requisites under the existing laws, rules, and regulations.
Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-reiterates-maximum-3-week-transition-period-for-newly-elected-barangay-SK-officials/NC-2023-1226