Elected BSKE officials’ transition period set

The Department of the Interior and Local Government announced on Thursday that elected officials following the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections will have a maximum of three weeks as transition period.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said that the timeframe is enough for elected officials to properly and smoothly assume office, adding that it is important as it will spell the difference whether the incoming officials could immediately buckle down to work or not.

To ensure a smooth transition, Abalos announced the issuance of DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-166, which newly-elected SK and barangay officials can use as guide prior and during their assumption.

Likewise, outgoing officials were instructed to submit the final inventory of the Barangay and SK properties, financial records, documents and properties and money accountabilities and to ensure turnover of the same to the incoming or newly elected barangay and SK officials.

He also clarified that he was prompted to issue the guidelines following the advice of the Commission on Elections that winning barangay and SK election candidates, upon being proclaimed and taking their oath, can effectively assume office.

In the DILG MC 2023-166, newly-elected officials are urged to secure or comply with the bonding requirements and other requisites under the existing laws, rules and regulations.