The government will offer death benefits to indigenous peoples mandatory representatives in barangays based on a latest order of President Duterte.
The President signed Executive Order No. 139 authorizing the payment of death and burial benefits to IP representatives who die during their term of office. The latest order amended EO No. 115, signed in 2002, that authorized payment of death benefits to barangay officials.
"There is a need to recognize the invaluable contribution of the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) in the barangays through, among others, the grant of benefits enjoyed similarly situated officials, pursuant to the concerted and overall efforts of the government to provide assistance to local officials," the order read.
The EO noted that national budget includes a provision that IPMRs in barangays who die during their work are entitled to death and burial benefits granted to barangay officials.
Under EO 139, the President has directed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to determine the amount necessary for the death benefits of IP representatives and include such amount in its annual budget proposal. The DILG was tasked to coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
The order took effect immediately after it was signed by the President on June 18.
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