In separate letters to Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Jose de Venecia, the President said an extension of the terms of office of the barangay officials is needed to ensure the continuity of their programs.
In urging the immediate passage of House Bill No. 6357, the President said barangay officials must have adequate time to realize and complete their plans for their constituents.
She said this would preserve "communities-in-process," conserve the government’s limited resources and provide better constituency-services for the people.
James Lim, national president of the Liga ng mga Barangay, lauded Mrs. Arroyo for the importance she has given to the bill.
Lim, chairman of Barangay 2 in Gasan, Marinduque, said this is the first time that a Philippine president has certified as urgent a bill extending their terms of office.
"We welcome very much President Arroyo’s understanding of our concerns as barangay officials, especially the social and political dimension of serving our people," Lim said.
The Liga ng mga Barangay has 42,000 members.