Procedure for Drafting and Passing a Barangay Resolution in the Philippines
A practical, step‑by‑step legal guide based on the Local Government Code of 1991 (LGC), DILG issuances, and established barangay parliamentary practice (as of July 2025).
Quick note: This is general legal information intended for barangay officials, secretaries, and local‑governance advocates. For situations involving contracts, public funds, or litigation, consult your municipal DILG field officer or a licensed lawyer.
1. What Exactly Is a Barangay Resolution?
| Feature | Barangay Resolution | Barangay Ordinance |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Express opinion, set policy, authorize the Punong Barangay, request funds, endorse projects, create committees, etc. | Enact a rule of law with penal, regulatory, or licensing effect within the barangay. |
| Effectivity | Upon approval/signature (unless it states otherwise). No publication requirement. | After review by the Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod, posting in bulletin boards, and lapse of the period fixed in Sec. 59, LGC. |
| Review by higher sanggunian? | Generally no, except when it affects barangay funds, land, or joint undertakings that need budget approval. | Yes—mandatory (Sec. 395 [LGC]). |
| Penalty clause allowed? | No | Yes, within limits of Sec. 447 & 391 (LGC). |
2. Legal Foundations
Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code, 1991) * Sec. 384‑399: Powers, duties, and meetings of the Sangguniang Barangay. * Sec. 392: Regular sessions at least twice a month; quorum is majority of all members.
DILG Memorandum Circulars & Guidelines * MC No. 2019‑149: Revised Barangay Assembly guidelines, emphasizing transparency. * MC No. 2011‑131: Submission of budget‑related resolutions to the municipal sanggunian. * Barangay Legal Education Program Handbook (2024 edition).
House Rules/Internal Rules of Procedure (IRP) Each barangay is required (Sec. 390) to adopt IRP for session order, committee referral, and voting. Absent IRP, barangays commonly adapt Robert’s Rules of Order in simplified form.
3. Actors and Their Roles
| Actor | Core Functions in the Resolution Process |
|---|---|
| Punong Barangay (PB) | Presides over sessions, may propose measures, signs approved resolutions, may veto ordinances (but not resolutions). |
| Sangguniang Barangay Members (Kagawad, SK Chair) | Draft, sponsor, debate, amend, and vote. |
| Barangay Secretary | Drafts minutes, prepares the resolution in proper form, attests and records, transmits copies. |
| Barangay Treasurer | Gives budget clearance for fund‑related resolutions. |
| Committees | Conduct technical study or public consultation before plenary debate. |
4. End‑to‑End Workflow
Below is the canonical procedure used in most barangays. Adjust for local IRP or DILG field officer advice.
| Stage | Key Actions | Legal/Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A. Initiation | 1. Any SB member, PB, SK Chair, or accredited CSO files a Proposed Resolution (PR) with the Secretariat. 2. PR must carry a short title and “whereas” clauses substantiating facts. |
Written format accelerates docketing; oral motions are allowed but the Secretary should later reduce them into writing for the records. |
| B. Calendar & Referral | 1. Secretary enters PR in the Agenda of the next regular session (or special session upon PB’s call, 24‑h written notice). 2. PB refers PR to the appropriate standing committee (e.g., Peace & Order, Finance). |
Referral ensures technical vetting and compliance with national laws. |
| C. Committee Action | 1. Committee meeting (quorum: majority of members). 2. Optional public hearing when the measure affects residents’ rights. 3. Committee Report recommending approval, amendments, or denial. |
For fund requests, require certification of availability of funds (Sec. 344, LGC). |
| D. Plenary Deliberation | 1. Committee chair sponsors report. 2. Open floor for debate and amendments (second reading). 3. Close debate; vote on final text (third reading can be waived for resolutions—IRP). |
Quorum: 4 of 7 elected officials present (Sec. 392). |
| E. Voting Requirement | Simple majority of members present with quorum (ex gratia: 3 of 4 present). | Some special matters—e.g., real property disposition—need a 2/3 vote of all SB members (Sec. 389 [b][3]). |
| F. Approval & Signing | 1. Secretary prepares clean copy; states “APPROVED”, date, and votes. 2. PB signs; Secretary attests. 3. Assign Resolution Number (e.g., Res. No. 2025‑015). |
Resolutions are not subject to veto. |
| G. Recording & Archives | 1. Enter into the Minutes Book and Resolution Book. 2. Index with subject and year for tracking. 3. Digitize if barangay has an e‑records system. |
RA 9470 (National Archives Act) prescribes 10‑year retention before transfer to LGU archives center. |
| H. Transmission & Posting | 1. Post on barangay bulletin board for at least 1 week (MC 2019‑149). 2. Send certified copy to Municipal/City DILG Field Office within 10 days when:
|
Although LGC review is mandatory only for ordinances, practice favors transmitting fund‑related resolutions for technical scrutiny. |
| I. Implementation & Monitoring | If the resolution authorizes an action (e.g., peace‑and‑order campaign), committee or PB submits Implementation Status Report after reasonable period. | Transparency requirement under Executive Order 2 (Freedom of Information) encourages barangays to post status online or on board. |
| J. Amendment or Repeal | Follow same stages. Cite the resolution number being amended/repealed in the preamble. | Important if circumstances change or the resolution is superseded by higher law. |
5. Form Requirements (Drafting Essentials)
- Heading – “Republic of the Philippines, Province of ______, City/Municipality of ______, Barangay ______”.
- Title – Concise; begin with “A RESOLUTION…” in all caps.
- Preamble (“Whereas” Clauses) – State facts, legal bases, community benefit.
- Resolution Phrase – “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved, by the Sangguniang Barangay in session duly assembled…”
- Operative Sections – Numbered. Use plain language.
- Effectivity Clause – If timing matters (e.g., “effective upon approval”).
- Voting Certification – “Adopted by the Sangguniang Barangay on this 23rd day of July 2025, with ___ affirmative votes and ___ negative votes.”
- Signatures – PB, SB Members (optional), Secretary (attest).
- Notation – Received stamp of the Municipal Sanggunian (if transmitted).
6. Common Special Cases
| Scenario | Additional Steps |
|---|---|
| Budget‑related Resolution (e.g., Supplemental Budget) | Attach Statement of Funding Sources; forward to Municipal Budget Officer and Sanggunian for review (Sec. 321‑325, LGC). |
| Inter‑LGU MOA Authorization | Include certified copy of MOA draft; secure Sanggunian Bayan concurrence if financial commitments arise. |
| Land Acquisition or Lease | Require ocular inspection report, barangay assembly endorsement (Sec. 384), and 2/3 vote of all members. |
| Creation of Barangay‑Owned Enterprise | Coordinate with Cooperative Development Authority and include feasibility study. |
7. Best Practices & Pitfalls
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Use clear numbering system (e.g., 2025‑001, 2025‑002). | Skipping the committee process—leads to poorly drafted measures. |
| Provide attachments (maps, budgets) referenced in the operative clauses. | Annexes without page numbers or certification. |
| Keep a digital backup; mirror posting on official Facebook page for FOI compliance. | Retroactive resolutions that ratify actions already taken without authority—may attract COA disallowance. |
| Train SB Members on basic parliamentary procedure annually. | Using resolutions when an ordinance is legally required (e.g., imposing fees). |
| Coordinate with DILG early when the subject touches other national laws (e.g., disaster funds, peacekeeping). | Treating a resolution as merely ceremonial: it can confer real authority and liability. |
8. Template (Simple Model)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES Province of Nueva Ecija Municipality of Cuyapo Barangay San Isidro SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY RESOLUTION NO. 2025‑016 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PUNONG BARANGAY TO SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR THE “COMMUNITY URBAN GARDEN” PROGRAM AND ALLOCATING ₱50,000.00 AS COUNTERPART FUND. WHEREAS, Republic Act 7160 empowers barangays to promote general welfare; WHEREAS, the Department of Agriculture... *(preamble continues)*; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED... Section 1. Authorization.—The Punong Barangay, Hon. Maria L. Santos, is hereby authorized… Section 2. Fund Allocation.—The amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos... Section 3. Effectivity.—This Resolution shall take effect upon approval. Adopted: 23 July 2025 Votes: 6‑0‑0 (sgd.) Hon. MARIA L. SANTOS, Punong Barangay ATTESTED: (sgd.) JUAN P. REYES, Barangay Secretary[Seal & certification]
9. Frequently‑Asked Questions
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Can a barangay resolution be vetoed? | No; only ordinances are subject to veto (Sec. 55, LGC). |
| Is publication required? | No legal requirement, but posting on the bulletin board ensures transparency. |
| How long before it takes effect? | Immediately upon signing unless a later date is specified. |
| Can the SK alone pass a resolution? | Yes, for SK‑specific matters. For barangay‑wide affairs, SK Chair must propose within the SB. |
| Must residents be consulted? | Not for all resolutions, but barangay assembly approval is mandatory when dealing with land matters, loans, and certain public facilities (Sec. 397). |
10. Conclusion
Drafting and passing a barangay resolution is straightforward but highly procedural. Following the Local Government Code, maintaining diligent records, and observing transparent deliberation ensure that every resolution—whether it’s a simple commendation or a ₱10‑million counterpart‑fund authorization—carries unquestioned legitimacy and serves your constituents effectively.
Need further guidance? Most municipal DILG field offices offer free technical assistance and standardized forms. Attending the quarterly Barangay Governance Information System (BGIS) clinic can refine your documentation skills.
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