Brgy execs welcome Bongbong's Senate bill

CEBU, Philippines - Barangay leaders in Mandaue City welcome a pending bill introduced by Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granting benefits to qualified barangay officials.

Ernie Manatad, president of the Association of Barangay Councils in Mandaue City, said the final approval of the bill is a big help to barangay captains and officials retiring from service.

Manatad, barangay captain of Subangdaku, said barangay officials are at the frontline of the barangay's development and should therefore be given support to improve their lives, especially at a time they are not in service.

Manatad said they are happy with the move of Senator Marcos and are hoping it will gain support from the other senators.

Senator Marcos has endorsed for approval Senate Bill No. 12, a measure which would provide retirement and other benefits to elected and appointed barangay officials.

The bill is entitled "An Act Providing Barangay Officials, including Barangay Tanods, Members of the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa, Barangay Health Workers and Day Care Workers Retirement Benefit."

Senator Marcos, chairman of the Senate committee on local government, said the measure is now pending for approval in the plenary.

The measure provides a retirement pay of P100,000 for each qualified barangay chairman, P80,000 for each member of sangguniang barangay and P50,000 each for barangay treasurer and secretary, barangay tanod, member of the Lupon ng Tagapamayapa, barangay and day care worker.

Senator Marcos said while barangay officials and workers are serving in the front lines, delivering basic services and other public services, they are only receiving measly benefits.

The Department of Interior and Local Government reported that there are 1, 849,232 incumbent barangay officials nationwide.

Based on these criteria, the DILG's National Operations Office has determined that as of June 7, 2013, some 96,616 are qualified to receive the benefits. (FREEMAN)