Benefits for brgy officials pushed

CEBU, Philippines- Bohol second district Representative Erico Aristotle Aumentado is pushing for the provision of benefits of barangay officials upon retirement.

 Under House Bill 325 which he authored, officials who are 60 years old and have served the barangay for at least nine years in an elective or appointive capacity may get a lump sum upon their retirement equivalent to their honorarium for 12 months but not to exceed P100,000.

 This covers the punong barangay, members of the sangguniang barangay, secretaries, treasurers, tanods, health workers, day care workers and members of the lupong tagapamayapa.

 The move, in effect, amends Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 and expands the scope of “barangay officials” as expounded in the Code.

 Aumentado’s bill also intends to recognize the efforts of the barangay officials who, more often than not, are the front liners in addressing problems in their localities, especially the remote ones.

 He said when barangay folks manage to contact the police, sheer distance, rough roads and poor logistics often make their arrival too late – either the troublemaker has left, or the trouble has gone beyond control.

 He added that the retirement age of 60 instead of 65 of most civil servants also intends to let the retirees enjoy their remaining years with some funds to start a business or an income-generating project while still active and able.

 In the Philippine setting where extended families are often the norm, Aumentado said the head of the family, who may be the father or mother, takes even their married children and even grandchildren under their wing.

 “This means, the head may not save up for himself, or herself, for some needs after retirement, hence the envisioned benefit,” he said.

 Under the bill, the retirement fund will be taken from the increase in the barangays’ share in Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) from 40 percent to 41 percent in which one percent excess shall be kept in trust for the retirement fund. (FREEMAN)