The Sangguniang Barangay: Barangay KagawadSangguniang Kabataan (SK) Jeannifer B. Villanueva 11-MPMG-011
Barangay KagawadA Barangay Kagawad, abbreviated as "Kgwd.", is an elected government official who is a member of the Sangguniang Barangay (Filipino, "Barangay Council") of a particular barangay, the smallest political unit in the Philippines.Formerly called konsehal ("councilor"), a barangay kagawad participates in the governance and activities of the barangay together with the other kagawads, the Punong Barangay ("Barangay Captain") and the members of the Sangguniang Kabataan ("Youth Council").
CompositionThere are seven (7) barangay kagawads in each barangay who are ranked according to the number of votes they had received in an electoral process exercised by registered voters in a particular barangay.As per the purpose of the revised penal code, the punong barangay, members of sangguniang barangay and members of the lupong tagapamayapa are considered persons in authority within their areas of jurisdiction.
The Internal Rules of Procedure of the Sangguniang Barangay shall provide for the following• The organization of the sanggunian and the election of its officers as well as the creation of standing committees and the general jurisdictions of each committee, election of the chairman and members of each committee• The Order and calendar of business for each session• The legislative process• The parliamentary procedures which include the conduct of members during session
The discipline of members for disorderly behavior and absences without justifiable cause for four (4) consecutive sessions for which they may be censured, reprimanded or excluded from the session, suspended for not more than sixty (60) days or expelled,PROVIDED that the penalty of suspension or expulsion shall require the concurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) vote of ALL the sanggunian members, PROVIDED FURTHER that a member convicted by final judgement to imprisonment of at least one (1) year for any crime involving moral turpitude shall be automatically expelled from the sanggunian; and Such other rules as the sanggunian may adopt.
Chairmanship of Committees in Barangay 615 Zone 611st Kgwd – Health & well-being2nd Kgwd – Education & Livelihood3rd Kgwd – Sports & Environment4th Kgwd – Violence against Women and Children (VAWC)5th Kgwd – Peace and Order & Disaster6th Kgwd – Cleanliness & Beautification7th Kgwd – Ways & Means
Chairmanship of Committees in Barangay 708 Zone 781st Kgwd – Education & Appropriations2nd Kgwd – Ways & Means3rd Kgwd – Clean & Green4th Kgwd – Peace and Order5th Kgwd – Sports6th Kgwd – Socio-Cultural Affairs7th Kgwd – Health
Term of officeSimilar to a Punong Barangay, a Barangay Kagawad is allowed by Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991, to have a maximum of three 5-year terms (adjusted from 3 years to 5 years by virtue of Republic Act 8524 amending Section 43 of Republic Act 7160).
Functions and responsibilitiesBarangay Kagawads are mandated to function as the legislative workforce of the barangay. They function in a similar manner as their counterparts in Congress and the Senate as they are expected to create and sponsor barangay resolutions and ordinances.For this reason, basic knowledge of the law is required and is expected of each barangay kagawad in order to perform their mandated responsibilities.
As a member of the sangguniang barangay, a Barangay Kagawad:authorizes the Punong Barangay to enter into contracts in behalf of the Barangay, subject to the provisions of the Local Government Codeensure to provide their constituents with basic services such as peace and orderformulate and adopt measures to eradicate drug addiction, proliferation of mendicants and squatters in their barangaymaintain barangay-owned properties and infrastructuresmaintain cleanliness and beautification of the community, andpromote the well being of children and youths.
What powers can the Barangay Kagawads exercise?The Barangay kagawads occupy a unique position in government because they exercise LEGISLATIVE and EXECUTIVE powers and functions. They exercise legislative powers because they are empowered to pass or enact barangay ordinances. They exercise executive powers because they assist the Punong Barangay in the discharge of his duties and functions, act as peace officers in the maintenance of public order and safety and perform such other duties and functions as the Punong Barangay may delegate. (Sec. 392, LGC)
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)SK is a youth organization mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991 to be formed in every barangay (Sec. 423). It is the main instrument available for young Filipinos seeking realization of new politics. It is a venue of participation of the youth in the barangay governance. SK reflects the hopes and visions of young Filipinos and addresses basically the affairs and interests of the youth.SK is composed of a chairman/chairperson, seven (7) members, a secretary, and a treasurer.
Qualifications of SK candidates• Must be a citizen of the Philippines• A resident of the barangay for at least one (1) year immediately prior to election;• At least fifteen (15) years but not more than eighteen (18) years of age on the day of election;• Able to read and write Filipino, English, or the local dialect; and• Must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.
Election and Term of OfficeThe registered voters of the Sangguniang Kabataan shall elect the SK Chairman and its seven (7) officials. The SK Chairman shall then automatically serve as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Barangay (SB) upon assumption of his/her office.SK chair shall exercise the same powers, discharge the same duties and functions, and the same privileges as the regular SB members, and shall be the chairman of the committee on youth and sports development in the said sanggunian.The SK officials shall hold office for a period of three (3) years, unless sooner removed for a cause as provided by law, permanently incapacitated, die or resign from office.
Powers and Functions of SKPromulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the youth in the barangay;Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic, cultural, intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of the members;Hold fund-raising activities, the proceeds of which shall be tax exempt and shall accrue to the general fund of the SK;Create such bodies or committees as it may be deem necessary to effectively carry out its programs and activities;
Submit annual and end-of-term reports to the SB on their projects and activities for the survival and development of the youth in the barangay;Consult and coordinate with all youth organizations in the barangay for policy formulation and program implementation;Coordinate with the appropriate national agency for the implementation of youth development projects and programs at the national level;Exercise such other power and perform such other duties and functions as the SB may determine or delegate; andExercise other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance