Department of the Interior and Local Government Sec. Benhur Abalos on Nov. 2 reiterated the three-week transition period for newly elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials.
“Ang transition period na binibigay natin ay three weeks. Napaka-importante na ma-turn over sa mga bagong opisyal properly ang mga properties ng barangay. Ilang computers ‘yan, ilang kotse ’yan. Are they in good condition? Baka pag-upo niyo diyan wala ng laman ang barangay hall,”Abalos said in a statement.
He said the allotted transition period is important as this will spell the difference between whether the incoming officials could immediately buckle down to work or not.
To ensure a smooth transition, Abalos announced the issuance of DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-166, which newly-elected SK and barangay officials can use as a guide prior and during their assumption.
He said the MC will cover the elected barangay and SK officials nationwide.
However, he warned that those who fail to assume three weeks after winning the polls might face administrative cases.
Likewise, outgoing BSK officials were instructed to submit the final inventory of barangay and SK properties, financial records, documents, and properties, and money accountabilities to ensure turnover of the same to the incoming or newly elected BSK officials.
“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 he was prompted to issue the guidelines following the advice of the Commission on Elections 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. Kung bago ka, kailangan mo mag-appoint ng bagong treasurer, secretary. Kailangan mo ng re-solution sa barangay para sa bagong bank account at kaila-ngan ka pa mag-post ng bond. Siguro, it will take two to three weeks bago mangyari iyon,” he explained. – PNA
