Bill pushes for 50% tuition discount for barangay tanods' kids

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker from Negros Occidental filed a bill proposing a package of incentives for village watchmen or barangay tanods, including a 50-percent discount on the tuition of up to two of their children in state universities and colleges.

"Though they work on a voluntary-basis, barangay tanods do not hesitate to risk their lives just to ensure the security of the people in their respective communities," Rep. Alfredo Benitez said in filing House Bill 58.

Barangay tanods have an important role in the community by keeping peace and order in a barangay, he added.

Aside from the tuition discount, the bill also entitles barangay tanods who have continuously worked for at least one year to a Christmas bonus equivalent to at least half of what the barangay captain receives.

They will also be entitled to insurance coverage equivalent to three fourths of what the village chief has, as well as free legal services from government lawyers for criminal and civil cases filed against them while performing their duty.

The measure also pushes for the enrolment of barangay tanods to the National Health Insurance program with the contribution to be shouldered by the local government unit concerned.

No benefit will be given, however, to a barangay tanod whose injuries, disabilities or death was caused by habitual drunkenness or negligence.

The bill noted that every barangay should be entitled to enlist the services of not more than 20 barangay tanods and the honoraria given to them should be exempt from income taxation.