ORMOC CITY – Fourth District of Leyte Representative Richard I. Gomez pushes House Bill No. 2899, that is, the “Magna Carta for Barangays and Barangay Officials,” in order, accordingly, to provide additional pay and benefits to barangay officials and barangay tanods.
The said bill was presented and discussed in Congress on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
Per the House Bill, the salary of a chieftain is the same as the salary of a city or municipal councilor where the said chieftain is residing. Meanwhile, the salary of a barangay councilor is 80% of the salary of a city or municipal councilor, and the salaries of a barangay treasurer, secretary, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson is 75% of the salary of a city or municipal councilor.
Aside from this, the said barangay officials will have hazard pay, representation and transportation allowances, personnel economic relief allowances, mid-year and 13th month pay, insurance, medical and dental coverage, and retirement benefits.
On the one hand, the barangay tanods will be given an honoraria or allowance, a Christmas bonus, insurance coverage, and free medical and laboratory services.
Further, while these village officials are on active duty, they are set to receive free tuition for their children attending state colleges and universities, and their children may receive educational benefits at the school where they are enrolled.
The said bill also aspires to put a regular supply of drinking water, transportation, a child development center, kindergarten, and an elementary school in every barangay. According to Cong. Gomez, importance should be given to the work of barangay officials and tanods, especially since they are the frontliners of the government when there are calamities and the direct implementors of peace and order. By Gwen Maurillo (EV Mail January 23-29, 2023 issue)
