THE VIEW FROM RIZAL

In the olden days, the barangay chairman was called barrio captain. Kapitan del Barrio, our elders used to call them. Much earlier, he was “tentyente del barrio” – the successor of the “cabeza de barangay.” His position must be so important that from Barrio Lieutenant, he was “promoted” to “captain.” This must also be why, to this day, many still call the head of the barangay “kapitan” rather than “chairman.”

Our elders say the title “kapitan” was an appropriate one. After all, in the olden days, the head of the barrio was a virtual strongman. His word was law as far as the barrio was concerned, and he often led with an iron fist. No one dared make trouble in his barrio. Hardly anyone would want to earn the ire of “kapitan.”

The “kapitan” was also the de factor barrio “godfather” in more ways than one. He was literally “ninong” at weddings and baptisms. He was also a figurative “godfather,” presiding over the resolution of family squabbles and disagreements among his constituents. He was the go-to person for advice regarding romance, politics, life decisions, and finances.
With time – and the passing of several pieces of legislation – things changed.

We no longer have “barrios;” we are back to living in “barangays,” just like we did when the Spanish conquistadores arrived at our shores. 

While the “punong barangay” may still be referred to as “barangay captain,” we no longer prefer the military-sounding title. We now call him or her “chairman,” giving the position a more corporate flavor. 

True, a good number of our barangay chairmen still play the “godfather” role. He is still the primary peacekeeper and peacemaker in his local government unit. For the most part, however, his role has been more clearly defined and prescribed under the Local Government Code. No longer seen as a pistol-whipping warlord of the 60s, today’s barangay chairman is more of an administrator of a corporate entity and a manager of human and financial resources put under his care by the Local Government Code.

By definition of the law, the barangay is much like a “corporation” and its head is both the chairman and the chief executive officer. 

Just like a business entity, the barangay can purchase and sell property, enter into contracts, negotiate, sue, and be sued. It can raise “revenues” by charging certain fees from the operation of enterprises in its jurisdiction, or from the use of its properties.

However, unlike a mere business entity, the barangay has police and governmental powers.

Subject to due process, the barangay chairman can expropriate property, impose taxes, and undertake activities that are meant to fuel progress, instill discipline and harmony, and create a positive atmosphere. 

Interestingly, the barangay chairman also possesses “judicial powers” of some sort. He or she presides over the “lupong tagapamayapa” or, loosely translated, the peace council. This is a body that hears complaints, resolves conflict, and attempts to reconcile warring parties. In some cases, the regular court would not hear a complaint unless it has passed through this council.

In a way, the head of the barangay exercises all three powers of government: executive, legislative, and judicial.

To perform its role as the basic unit of government, the barangay is given funds by the national government. It has a share in real property taxes, from community taxes it collects for the municipal or city government. It also shares from the revenues coming from the “development and utilization of the national wealth,” the proceeds of the tax on sand, gravel, and other quarry sources, and from the excise tax on tobacco.

Today, barangays enjoy a share of the total revenues of the national government. This share is called the National Tax Allotment (formerly Internal Revenue Allotment or IRA). At present, the NTA for barangays stands at 20 percent of the total revenue generated by the national government. 

The punong barangay may no longer be the feared boss of the olden days. However, his power has not been diminished, but has been expanded. With the expansion of power comes the significant financial resources given to him.

Such powers and resources would be a big waste – or even a big risk – if they fall into the wrong hands.

We are elated by the enthusiasm being displayed by our countrymen regarding the forthcoming barangay elections. We are also inspired by the number of candidates who have entered the race for the various positions. All of them seem to be aware that our barangays play a crucial role in the life of our cities, towns, provinces, and of our country as a whole.
We pray that our voters will elect candidates who have enough competence and the integrity of character to manage the powers and resources which now reside in the punong barangay and his council.

While we do not endorse nor support any candidate in the barangay elections, we call on our fellow Filipinos to go out and vote on Oct. 30.

(For feedback, please email it to [email protected] or send it to Block 6 Lot 10 Sta. Barbara 1 cor. Bradley St., Mission Hills Subd., Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City, Rizal.)