Inclusive Consultation Advances Magna Carta for Barangays

Manila, Philippines – The Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening grassroots governance following a public consultation on April 14, 2026 for the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays.

The consultation was led by the Sub-Committee on Local Officials and Personnel, chaired by Rep. Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar and co-led by Rep. Florencio Miraflores, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and partner agencies, including the Commission on Audit, PhilHealth, Government Service Insurance System, and Pag-IBIG Fund, with the participation of National Barangay Operations Office Director Dennis Villaseñor and other stakeholders.

Rep. Co-Pilar emphasized the intent behind the measure, stating, “Ang mga probisyong ito ay hindi lamang naglalayong itaas ang antas ng ating mga opisyal ng barangay kundi baguhin at palakasin ang mismong pundasyon ng ating pamahalaan—ang barangay. Our goal is clear: to craft a law that is practicable, responsive, equitable and sustainable, one that truly reflects the vital role of barangay in nation-building.”

Bringing together representatives from low-, medium-, and high-income barangays, the consultation ensured an inclusive and participatory process in shaping the proposed measure. Participants were given the opportunity to share their needs, insights, and recommendations; key inputs that will guide the refinement of the bill and strengthen its provisions ahead of its second reading in Congress.

Liga National President Jessica Dy underscored the importance of empowering barangays as the foundation of national development: “Meron tayong kasabihan, you are only as strong as your weakest player. The strength of our nation is only as resilient as its smallest unit. So if we strengthen our barangays, ultimately, we will be strengthening the entire government of the Philippines.”

Rep. Miraflores, meanwhile, assured stakeholders of the committee’s support, saying, “Rest assured that the committee is prioritizing this bill, the Magna Carta for Barangays, because I also feel that this is long overdue and we have to recognize the contribution of our barangay officials in nation building.”

The Liga also expressed its gratitude to barangay officials who traveled from various parts of the country, including La Union, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Aklan, and Laguna, as well as to Liga chapter presidents who demonstrated strong support for the initiative.

The inputs and recommendations gathered during the consultation will serve as a guide in crafting the best possible version of the bill, ensuring that it is responsive, equitable, and grounded in the realities of barangays. As the measure moves toward second reading, stakeholders remain optimistic about its continued progress for the benefit of barangays and the Filipino people.