Creating Citizens Assemblies

MALACAÑANG
M a n i l a

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 86 December 31, 1972

CREATING CITIZENS ASSEMBLIES

WHEREAS, the Revised Barrio Charter, Republic Act No. 3590, provides for the Barrio Assembly consisting of all persons who are residents of the barrio for at least six months, eighteen years of age or over, citizens of the Republic of the Philippines and who are duly registered in the list of Barrio Assembly members kept by the barrio secretary;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to broaden the base of citizen participation in the democratic process and to afford ample opportunities for the citizenry to express their views on important national issues;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines, do hereby decree as part of the law of the land the following:

1. There is hereby created in each Barrio in municipalities and in each district in chartered cities a Citizens Assembly;...

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Summary of Presidential Decree No. 86

Creation of Citizens Assemblies
- A Citizens Assembly is created in each barrio in municipalities and in each district in chartered cities. (Section 1)
- In the City of Manila and other cities where there are no barrios, there shall be a Citizens Assembly for every ward. (Section 1)

Composition of Citizens Assembly
- The Citizens Assembly shall consist of all persons who meet the following criteria: (Section 2)
    - Residents of the barrio, district or ward for at least six months
    - Fifteen years of age or over
    - Citizens of the Philippines
    - Registered in the list of Citizens Assembly members kept by the barrio, district or ward secretary

Meetings of Citizens Assembly
- The Citizens Assembly shall meet at the call of the barrio captain, the district or ward leader, or at the request of at least one-tenth of the members. (Section 3)
- The purpose of the meetings is to consider matters of local or national concern. (Section 3)

Quorum and Proceedings
- At least one-fifth of the members should be present to constitute a quorum for conducting business and taking any official action. (Section 4)
- The proceedings shall be recorded by the barrio, district or ward secretary, or in their absence, any member designated as acting secretary by the barrio captain or district or ward leader. (Section 4)

Effectivity
- This Decree shall take effect immediately. (Section 5)