“Barangay Captains should be Civil Service Eligible” — Ombudsman Remulla

MANILA, Philippines — Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said barangay officials, particularly barangay captains, should be required to have Civil Service eligibility, saying they serve as the government’s first line of service in communities.

Remulla made the statement while discussing the qualifications of barangay officials with Sen. JV Ejercito during his radio program on Sept. 19.

“Kasi first line of service ’yan, dapat ’yan civil service eligible para naman maayos. Dapat ’yan diyan pa lang efficient na tayo,” Remulla said.

Remulla specifically mentioned barangay chairpersons, treasurers and administrators as officials who should meet the proposed eligibility requirement. Current qualifications for elective barangay officials include Philippine residency, registration as a voter in the place where they seek election, and the ability to read and write.

The proposal comes amid renewed discussion on the qualifications and role of barangay officials following congressional action on measures concerning the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials.

During the discussion, Ejercito said the proposed changes to the terms of barangay and SK officials do not introduce new qualification requirements, with the existing requirement that candidates be able to read and write remaining in place.

Remulla also called for a reassessment of the country’s barangay system, saying barangays are at the frontline of government services.

At present, civil service eligibility is not a general prerequisite for being elected barangay captain. However, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) already provides a Barangay Official Eligibility (BOE) to qualified elective and appointive barangay officials based on completion of their term of office. The eligibility may be used for appointment to first-level career service positions, subject to other qualification requirements.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, barangay officials are also entitled to appropriate civil service eligibility based on their years of service, in accordance with CSC rules.

Remulla’s remarks came as Congress considers changes to the schedule of the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

The Senate had approved a measure seeking to move the elections to 2028, while the House of Representatives adopted the Senate version. The Comelec, meanwhile, has continued preparations pending the final outcome of the legislation.