By Ellson Quismorio
House Deputy Majority Leader, Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-List Rep. Bernadette Herrera wants to give barangay officials and workers better financial incentives in recognition of their efforts.
Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy (FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN)
Herrera filed House Bill No. 5846, which seeks to increase the honoraria and Christmas bonus of barangay officials and workers.
Under the Herrera measure, the punong barangay (barangay captain) shall receive honoraria amounting to not less than P10,000 per month; at least P8,000 per month shall be given to barangay members, treasurer and secretary; and, at least P5,000 per month for barangay tanods (village watchmen) and members of the lupon ng tagapamayapa (peacekeepers).
Moreover, they will also be entitled to higher Christmas bonus of not less than P3,000 each, Herrera said.
"Barangay workers currently receive small compensation and honoraria that are inadequate for their families' needs. They do not enjoy much benefits from performing their mandate of addressing day-to-day issues of their communities," she noted.
"It is only apt to revise the core law that provides for the benefits of barangay workers," the lady solon said. The bill amends the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act (RA) No. 7160 for the purpose of the sought benefits.
Aside from higher honoraria and Christmas bonus, the bill also provides for greater medical benefits for barangay officials and workers.
They shall be entitled to a discount and exemption from value-added tax on the purchase of medicines and on the professional fees of doctors in all private hospitals.
"This measure recognizes the contribution of barangay officials and workers to the holistic and effective governance in the country. We must ensure the welfare of the public by empowering our barangay officials and workers who are at the frontfront of government service," Herrera added.