DILG releases death benefits

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Interior and Local Government has already released the death benefits of barangay officials in Naga and Talisay cities who died while in office.

Based on the DILG records, among those who died in office were sangguniang barangay members Gregorio Patalinghug of barangay Central Poblacion, Talisay City and Ramon Barliso Sr. of barangay Linao, Naga City.

Patalinghug died last January 31 while Barliso died last November 9, 2012. Beneficiaries of the officials received P12,000 each.

The Local Government Code states that barangay officials shall be entitled, during their incumbency, to insurance coverage which shall include, but not be limited to temporary and permanent disability, double indemnity, accident insurance, death and burial benefits, in accordance with R.A. 6942 entitled "An Act Increasing the Insurance Benefits of Local Government Officials and Providing Funds Therefore."

Under Executive Order 115, beneficiaries of deceased Punong Barangays will get P22,000 each, while families of sangguniang barangay members, barangay secretaries, barangay treasurers, and sangguniang kabataan chairpersons will receive P12,000.

However, Rule VII, Section 20 of the EO states that no benefits shall be granted to deceased barangay officials if the cause of death is either suicide or unlawful acts resulting in death. 

The Department of Budget and Management has already released P2.826 million out of the P50 million to settle the claims of the beneficiaries of 213 deceased barangay officials for the month of February 2013.

Of the number nationwide, 27 are punong barangays, 153 are sangguniang barangay members, 21 are barangay secretaries, and 12 are barangay treasurers who died during their term of office. (FREEMAN)