They perform many official government duties, and execute minor judicial powers as part of the Barangay Justice System, such as settling disputes between neighbors.
While the current structure dates only to the 1970s, the concept of a village leader has a long history, as it was already evident amongst pre-colonial barangays.
At the beginning of the American colonial period, the office was renamed barrio lieutenant.
Under the Administrative Code of 1917, passed by the Philippine Assembly, these too were not elected but rather appointed by and under the supervision of the city councilor for the barrio.
Apart from performing many official government duties, they also execute minor judicial powers as part of the Barangay Justice System, such as settling disputes between neighbors.