House ratifies bill allowing barangay chiefs to swear in execs

MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino will soon sign into law a bill granting barangay chairmen the authority to swear into office public officials, including the president.

The House of Representatives has ratified the bicameral conference committee report on House Bill 2729, which grants barangay captains the power to administer the oath of office of any public official.

The measure will amend Section 41 of Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987.

Camarines Sur Rep. Salvio Fortuno said he filed the bill following a controversy over President Aquino’s desire to be sworn into office by a barangay captain from his congressional district in Tarlac in 2010.

Fortuno said Aquino’s plan did not push through as the Administrative Code does not allow barangay chairmen to swear into office officials of higher positions.

“While this measure will break tradition where the president takes his oath before the chief justice, it will give due recognition to the untiring support extended by barangay captains to the president,” Fortuno said.

Aquino took his oath of office before then Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales, who is now the ombudsman. 

Senators had approved the Senate version of the bill.