A. Definition

Definition of a Barrio

Historically, under RA 2370, a barrio is a unit of the municipality or municipal district in which it is situated. ¹ It is a quasi-municipal corporation endowed with powers to perform particular government functions through its barrio government, in conformity with law. ¹

Historically, RA 3590 retained that definition and expressly allowed barrios, in their corporate names, to sue and be sued, enter into contracts, and acquire, hold, and convey property for the purposes specified by law. ² Under current law, a barangay is the basic political unit (RA 7160, Sec. 384).