Talisay lupons want extra honorarium

CEBU, Philippines – The federation of Lupong Tagapamayapa in Talisay City asked the City Council to give them additional honoraria.

The group's president, Rolando Cellan of Barangay Bulacao, spoke before the  council during the latter's regular session yesterday.

Cellan said  they feel like ignored since barangay tanods and barangay health workers were given an additional honorarium by the city.

He said  they are also considered frontliners in some situations within the barangay, especially in settling conflicts.

"Kami mga frontliner sab biya mi. Mahapsay ang usa ka barangay tungod sa amung presinsya kay kami man ang muhusay matag adunay away," said Cellan.

The group has listed 200 members in the city's 22 barangays.

Cellan said there are lupons who  only receive P50 per month and some are given honoraria per hearing basis, which is worth P100 or less. They are asking the council to give them a uniform and additional honorarium amounting P500.

The city gives a quarterly honorarium to the tanods and BHWs.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, presiding officer, told Cellan that they are amenable to their request, however, he referred it to the Committee on Finance to ensure there is enough fund to cover the move.

He also said the request should be acted upon through an ordinance.

Councilor Richard Francis Aznar, majority floor leader, said  they will include the lupon's request to their Annual Investment Plan discussion. He said it would help if the request is supported with an ordinance to give it more weight.

The group of Cellan was thankful for the council's positive gesture. (FREEMAN)